Evidence supporting the use of: Sesquiterpenes
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes commonly found in essential oils such as cedarwood, ginger, and patchouli. Their use for supporting or treating lung congestion is primarily rooted in traditional medicine practices, such as aromatherapy and herbal remedies. Historically, preparations containing sesquiterpene-rich oils have been inhaled or applied topically to the chest in hopes of easing respiratory issues, including congestion. The rationale is often based on anecdotal observations of symptom relief, pleasant aroma, and perceived anti-inflammatory or expectorant effects.
However, scientific evidence directly supporting sesquiterpenes for lung congestion is limited. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain sesquiterpenes, like beta-caryophyllene or alpha-humulene, may have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activity, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically evaluating their effectiveness for respiratory congestion in humans. The evidence base primarily consists of traditional use and limited preclinical research, rather than clear scientific validation. Therefore, while sesquiterpenes are still used in traditional contexts for this purpose, their efficacy remains to be conclusively demonstrated by modern scientific standards.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)
allspicealoe 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
Other health conditions supported by Sesquiterpenes
Abdominal PainAcne
Anxiety
Arthritis
Bites and Stings
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)