Evidence supporting the use of: Buddha's Hand
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Buddha's Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other traditional Asian medicinal systems. In TCM, it is known as "Fo Shou" and is considered to have properties that help regulate qi (energy), relieve pain, and resolve phlegm. It is commonly used to support respiratory health, especially for symptoms such as chest congestion, cough, and sinus issues. The fruit is thought to help "disperse wind-cold" and "transform phlegm," which aligns with traditional explanations for treating congestion and sinus discomfort.
However, modern scientific studies directly examining the efficacy of Buddha's Hand for sinus congestion are very limited. Some preliminary research has identified anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in extracts from the fruit, which may indirectly support its traditional use for upper respiratory symptoms, but these findings are not robust or specific enough to confirm efficacy for sinus congestion. Most of the support for its use in this context remains rooted in centuries of traditional practice rather than evidence from clinical trials or modern pharmacological research.
In summary, the use of Buddha's Hand for sinus congestion is primarily justified by traditional evidence, and while there is some suggestive scientific data, it is not strong or direct. The overall evidence rating, therefore, is 2 out of 5.
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
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Buddha's Hand
Acid IndigestionAppetite (deficient)
Belching
Bronchitis
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Nausea and Vomiting
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Stress
Worry
Wounds and Sores