Evidence supporting the use of: Ligusticum
For the health condition: Congestion (lymphatic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ligusticum species, particularly Ligusticum porteri (commonly known as Osha root) and Ligusticum sinense, have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine to address respiratory and lymphatic congestion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ligusticum sinense (Chuan Xiong) and related species are considered to promote circulation and disperse stagnation, which includes applications for improving lymphatic flow and resolving "phlegm" or congestion. In Native American and folk herbal traditions, Osha root has been used as a remedy for bronchial, sinus, and lymphatic congestion, often as part of decoctions or tinctures intended to "move" fluids and clear obstructions.
However, modern scientific studies directly evaluating Ligusticum species for lymphatic congestion are limited. The rationale for use is rooted primarily in traditional energetic concepts rather than evidence from clinical trials. Some phytochemical studies have identified anti-inflammatory and circulatory effects in Ligusticum extracts, which could theoretically support lymphatic health, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to lymphatic congestion. Overall, the evidence supporting Ligusticum for lymphatic congestion is traditional and anecdotal, with a lack of rigorous scientific validation.
Other health conditions supported by Ligusticum
Abdominal PainAngina
Arthritis
Backache
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dandruff
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity