Evidence supporting the use of: Lo Han Guo
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii), also known as monk fruit, is traditionally used in Chinese medicine primarily for its cooling and moistening properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lo Han Guo is believed to relieve cough, soothe the throat, and treat conditions associated with "heat" in the lungs, which may include symptoms like sore throat, dry cough, and sometimes mild congestion. The fruit is often used in herbal teas or decoctions aimed at clearing lung heat and moisturizing dryness, which may provide subjective relief for upper respiratory tract symptoms such as sinus congestion.
However, the direct use of Lo Han Guo for treating nasal or sinus congestion is not strongly emphasized in either traditional or scientific literature. The evidence supporting its use for sinus congestion is mainly anecdotal and based on the broader context of relieving respiratory symptoms in TCM. There is a lack of robust clinical research or mechanistic studies demonstrating its efficacy specifically for congestion. Most modern research focuses on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sweetening properties, rather than decongestant effects.
In summary, while Lo Han Guo’s use for respiratory health—including mild congestion—has historical roots in TCM, the evidence is traditional and mostly indirect. There is insufficient scientific validation for its specific role in treating 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
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Lo Han Guo
Acid IndigestionAllergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gastritis
Inflammation
Influenza
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Ulcers