Evidence supporting the use of: Limonene
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Limonene, a major component in the oils of citrus fruit peels, has a long history of traditional use in aromatherapy and folk medicine to support respiratory health, including relief from sinus congestion. The rationale for its use is primarily based on anecdotal evidence and traditional practices, where inhalation of citrus essential oils was believed to help clear nasal passages and ease breathing. However, robust scientific studies specifically examining limonene’s efficacy in treating or alleviating sinus congestion are lacking. The main traditional mechanism cited is limonene’s pleasant odor and potential mild irritation of the nasal mucosa, which may transiently increase airflow sensation or promote mucus drainage. Some modern studies suggest that limonene has mild anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects in vitro and in animal models, but these findings have not been conclusively translated into clinical practice for congestion relief. Overall, while limonene continues to be included in some over-the-counter inhalants and aromatherapy products for respiratory comfort, its use for sinus congestion is supported more by tradition than by rigorous scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)
AconiteAdrenergic amines
Agastache
Alantolactone
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
Amor seco
andrographolide
anise
Arisaema
asafoetida
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
Asteraceae
atractylodes
atractylone
balloon flower
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
basil
bayleaf
bee hive
bee products
Belamcanda
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
betel
bicarbonate
bioflavonoids
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black currant
black pepper
black salt
black seed
blackboard tree
boneset
borage
borneol
Bougainvillea
Buddha\'s hand
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
cajuput
calamus
Camellia sinensis
capsaicinoids
cardamom
Carthamus
carvone
cayenne pepper
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese raisintree
Chondrus
chrysanthemum
cineole
cinnamaldehyde
Cistus
Citrus
Clerodendrum trichotomum
clove
coltsfoot
Coptis chinensis
coriander
dragonhead
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
English horsemint
Ephedra
ephedrine
eucalyptus
eugenol
European Elder
fang-feng
fennel
ferula assafoetida
forsythia
frankincense
Galangal
Gallesia
gamma-terpinene
Gardenia jasminoides
garlic bulb
ginger
Gnaphalium
green tea
Hedyotis
honey
horehound
Horsemint
horseradish
Houttuynia
hyssop
Indian frankincense
inula racemosa
Isatis
Ivy
juniper berries
labrador tea
Laggera pterodonta
Ledebouriella
lemongrass
licorice root
Ligusticum
Ligustrazin
limonene
Litsea
Lomatium
long pepper
lovage
malabar nut
Marjoram
Marsh Tea
Meadow sage
Menthol oil
Mint
Monoterpenes
Mucolase
Mugwort
Mustard
mustard seed
Nardostachys
Nigella seed
Nutmeg
onion
oregano
oriental arborvitae
Orris
Osha
Osmanthus
Paris polyphylla
Pepper
Peppermint
perilla
Phellodendron
Piper nigrum
Piper retrofractum
pomegranate
Pyrrosia
quercetin
ravinsara
Rhus coriaria
rosemary
Sabadilla
sage
Sagebrush
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Sassafras
Scabrous Gentian
sea salt
Sesquiterpenes
shiitake mushroom
Sichuan Lovage
Sichuan pepper
Smartweed
Solanum indicum
Sophora
spearmint leaf
Sphaeranthus indicus
spruce
Sundew
sweet flag
thyme
Thymus
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Vasicine
Vasicinone
Vervain
Viola
vitamin C
Wasabi
Winter Savory
Wulinshen
Yerba buena
Yerba santa
Yuzu
zanthoxylum
Zedoary
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by limonene
Acid IndigestionAnxiety
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Depression
Digestion (poor)
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
