Evidence supporting the use of: Balloon Flower
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, especially in Chinese and Korean herbal practices. Its root, known as "jie geng" in Chinese medicine, is commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as cough, phlegm, and lung congestion. Traditional texts describe its ability to "open up the lungs," "dispel phlegm," and relieve sore throat and cough. The root is often included in herbal formulas for bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.

Modern scientific research into Balloon Flower's efficacy for lung congestion is limited but does suggest some relevant pharmacological properties. Laboratory studies have identified saponins, particularly platycodin D, as key constituents that may exhibit expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. Some animal and in vitro studies have reported that Balloon Flower extracts can reduce airway inflammation and promote mucus clearance, supporting its traditional use. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking, and systematic reviews conclude that although preliminary data are promising, more rigorous research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

In summary, the use of Balloon Flower for lung congestion is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate evidence from preclinical studies. Its long-standing use in traditional medicine provides a strong basis, but scientific validation remains incomplete.

More about Balloon Flower
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 Balloon Flower

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