Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-pinene
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alpha-pinene, a monoterpene found in the essential oils of pine and other coniferous trees, has a longstanding traditional use for relieving respiratory issues such as sinus congestion. Historically, pine needles and their extracts have been used in folk medicine across various cultures as remedies for colds, coughs, and congestion. Steam inhalation of pine essential oil, rich in alpha-pinene, is a common traditional practice, believed to help open airways and ease breathing. The mechanism behind these effects is thought to be related to alpha-pinene's potential anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and expectorant properties. Some laboratory studies have shown that alpha-pinene can inhibit inflammatory mediators and may help relax bronchial smooth muscle, which could theoretically support easier airflow. However, the majority of evidence comes from animal studies or in vitro research, with a paucity of robust clinical trials in humans specifically examining its efficacy for sinus congestion. Despite limited direct scientific validation, the traditional use of alpha-pinene-containing preparations for respiratory complaints remains widespread. Caution is advised, as essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially if used improperly. In summary, while traditional practices and some preclinical data suggest a possible benefit, there is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to strongly support the use of alpha-pinene for sinus congestion.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
onion
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
lovage
mint
mustard seed
spruce
oregano
peppermint oil
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
boneset
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
sea salt
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Bitter Grass
Bougainvillea
Bee hive
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Carvone
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
European Elder
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Eugenol
Fang-Feng
Frankincense
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by alpha-pinene
AcneAnxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Digestion (poor)
Fungal Infections
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Memory and Brain Function
Pain (general remedies for)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Stress
Wounds and Sores