Evidence supporting the use of: Oregon Barberry
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Oregon Barberry (Mahonia aquifolium), also known as Oregon Grape, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and later Western herbalists. It has been used for a variety of ailments including skin diseases, digestive complaints, and as a general tonic. Its primary active constituent, berberine, is known for antimicrobial properties. Traditional use for sinus congestion appears to be based on its perceived ability to “clear heat” and “support the respiratory tract” due to its antimicrobial and mild anti-inflammatory effects. However, these uses are largely based on empirical observations and traditional herbal practices rather than robust scientific research.
There is limited scientific evidence directly linking Oregon Barberry or berberine to relief of sinus congestion. Most scientific studies focus on its antimicrobial activities, especially against bacteria and fungi, but do not specifically address sinusitis or nasal congestion. Some extrapolation can be made from its general anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which theoretically could help with infections that cause congestion, but no high-quality clinical trials validate its direct efficacy for this purpose. Therefore, while Oregon Barberry has a traditional reputation for supporting respiratory conditions, the evidence supporting its use for sinus congestion remains limited and primarily anecdotal.
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 Oregon Barberry
Abdominal PainAppetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fever