Evidence supporting the use of: Citrus (mixed)
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, have traditionally been used to help with congestion and sinus issues, primarily due to their high vitamin C content and refreshing, aromatic qualities. In various cultures, warm citrus-based drinks, especially with lemon, are popular home remedies for alleviating cold and sinus congestion symptoms. The use is rooted in the belief that vitamin C can support immune function and that the acidity and aroma of citrus can help clear nasal passages, either through ingestion or in steam inhalation.
However, scientific support for citrus (mixed) specifically treating sinus congestion is limited. While vitamin C is important for immune health, evidence that it effectively treats or prevents sinus congestion is inconclusive. Some studies suggest vitamin C may slightly reduce the duration or severity of cold symptoms, but its impact on sinus-specific congestion is not well-established. Citrus oils (from peels) are sometimes used in aromatherapy, and their volatile compounds may offer temporary relief by acting as mild decongestants, but clinical evidence is lacking. Overall, the use of citrus for sinus congestion is primarily supported by tradition and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific validation.
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 Citrus (mixed)
Acid IndigestionAcne
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Dehydration
Diabetes
Diarrhea