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

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Synopsis

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

Capsaicinoids, the active compounds in chili peppers (notably capsaicin), have a long history of traditional use for relieving respiratory congestion. This is primarily due to their ability to stimulate mucous membranes, which can lead to increased secretion and thinning of mucus. Traditional medicine systems, especially in Asia and Latin America, have used spicy foods and chili-containing remedies to help clear nasal and chest congestion, based on the observation that consuming spicy foods causes a runny nose and watery eyes.

However, modern scientific research directly evaluating capsaicinoids for lung congestion is limited. Most evidence remains anecdotal or comes from small, uncontrolled studies. Some laboratory research suggests that capsaicin can stimulate sensory nerves in the respiratory tract, leading to a reflex increase in mucus production and clearance. A few clinical studies have explored intranasal capsaicin for non-allergic rhinitis (not lung congestion), showing some benefit in symptom relief. There is less evidence for direct benefit in lower respiratory (lung) congestion, and capsaicin inhalation can actually cause coughing or bronchospasm in sensitive individuals.

In summary, while capsaicinoids are widely used in traditional remedies for respiratory congestion and have plausible mechanisms of action, strong scientific validation, especially for lung congestion, is lacking. The evidence is primarily traditional with limited scientific support, meriting a moderate evidence rating.

More about Capsaicinoid
More about Congestion (lungs)

Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)

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alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
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bupleurum falcatum
bасора
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chamomile
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turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
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grape
onion
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horseradish
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licorice root
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ophiopogon root
oregano
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phellodendron amurense
phenolic compounds
platycodon root
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quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
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vitamin C
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squawvine
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hyssop
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ferula assafoetida
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siler root
sweet flag
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aster root
Abies spectabilis
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ambergris
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curry leaf
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curcumen
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cinnamaldehyde
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Chondrus
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diterpenes
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Products containing Capsaicinoid

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