Evidence supporting the use of: Allium (unspecified)
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Allium species, particularly garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa), have a long history of traditional use in various cultures for supporting respiratory health and relieving symptoms of lung congestion. Historical records from ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and India document the use of garlic and onions as remedies for colds, coughs, bronchitis, and other conditions involving chest congestion. These plants were often consumed raw, cooked, or as decoctions and syrups to help loosen mucus and ease breathing.

The rationale for their use is largely based on the pungent sulfur-containing compounds (such as allicin in garlic) that are believed to have expectorant and antimicrobial effects. However, while preliminary laboratory studies have shown that Allium extracts can have antibacterial and antiviral properties, and there is some evidence that these compounds might modulate immune responses, direct clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness specifically for lung congestion remains limited. Most modern research focuses on cardiovascular and antimicrobial effects, rather than respiratory decongestion.

In summary, the use of Allium for lung congestion is primarily supported by traditional practices, with only weak scientific evidence for this specific application. The overall evidence rating is moderate for tradition (2/5), but there is not enough robust clinical data to fully validate its efficacy for lung congestion.

More about Allium (unspecified)
More about Congestion (lungs)

Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)

allspice
aloe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
European-Five Finger Grass
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain

Products containing Allium (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.