Phellodendron bark (Phellodendron amurense), known as Huang Bai in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal practices. While it is primarily known for its properties in clearing "damp-heat" and treating conditions such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and skin disorders, there are some traditional formulas in which Phellodendron bark is included to address symptoms associated with sinus congestion, typically as part of a multipronged approach targeting inflammation and microbial infections. However, these uses are mainly based on TCM theory rather than clear symptom targeting as understood in Western medicine.

In the context of sinus congestion, Phellodendron bark may be used in compound formulas that seek to reduce inflammation or infection in the respiratory tract, but it is not a primary herb for sinus issues such as nasal congestion or sinusitis. Modern pharmacological studies have found that Phellodendron bark contains berberine and other alkaloids with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, but there is no clinical or preclinical evidence directly supporting its efficacy for sinus congestion in humans. Thus, its use for this purpose is justified by traditional practice rather than scientific validation, and the evidence for its effectiveness in treating or supporting sinus congestion specifically is weak.