Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)

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Synopsis

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

Balsam, particularly balsam of Peru and other aromatic resins, has a long history of traditional use for respiratory congestion, including sinus issues. In folk medicine and traditional herbal practices, inhalation of vapors from balsam-containing preparations was believed to help clear nasal passages and ease breathing. The aromatic compounds in balsam, such as cinnamic acid and benzyl benzoate, are thought to provide a soothing effect on mucous membranes and may act as mild expectorants. Historically, balsam was used in steam inhalations, ointments, or chest rubs for upper respiratory ailments. However, while these uses are well-documented in traditional medicine, there is limited scientific evidence from modern clinical studies to support the efficacy of balsam specifically for sinus or nasal congestion. Most available data are anecdotal, and contemporary guidelines for treating sinus congestion do not list balsam as a recommended therapy. Furthermore, balsam of Peru is a known allergen and can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. In summary, the use of balsam for sinus congestion is rooted in tradition rather than robust scientific validation, and caution is advised due to potential allergic reactions.

More about Balsam
More about Congestion (sinus)

Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)

Allspice
Aloe 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
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
Wasabi
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
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Honey
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Horsemint
Isatis
Long Pepper
Ivy
Ledebouriella
Litsea
Lomatium
Laggera pterodonta
Limonene
Ligustrazin
Labrador Tea
Ligusticum
Mustard
Marjoram
Marsh Tea
Monoterpenes
Meadow sage
Mucolase
Nardostachys
Nigella Seed
Nutmeg
Osha
Orris
Osmanthus
Phellodendron
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Rhus coriaria
Ravinsara
Sabadilla
Sichuan Lovage
Sophora
Smartweed
Sesquiterpenes
Solanum indicum
Sambucus nigra
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sundew
Sassafras
Thymus
Vervain
Vasicine
Viola
Vasicinone
Wulinshen
Winter Savory
Yuzu
Yerba buena
Zedoary
Zingerone

Products containing Balsam

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.