Evidence supporting the use of: Terpene
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by many plants, notably conifers and some herbs. Traditionally, certain terpenes—such as those found in eucalyptus (eucalyptol), pine (alpha- and beta-pinene), and camphor—have been used in folk and herbal medicine to help relieve respiratory congestion. These terpenes are often included in vapor rubs, inhalants, and steam therapies intended to ease symptoms of coughs, colds, and bronchial congestion. The use of specific terpene-rich essential oils in aromatherapy and topical preparations is based on longstanding cultural practices rather than robust scientific evidence.
Scientific studies on the direct efficacy of terpenes for lung congestion are limited. Some laboratory and animal research suggests that certain terpenes may have mild anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, or expectorant effects, but clinical trials in humans are sparse. Eucalyptol, for example, has some evidence supporting its use as a mucolytic agent, but the data are not strong enough to confirm widespread efficacy for all terpenes. Overall, while tradition supports the use of terpenes for congestion, scientific validation remains modest and largely limited to specific compounds rather than the class as a whole.
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 Terpene
AcneAlzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dandruff