Evidence supporting the use of: Phenolics (various)
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phenolic compounds, found in a variety of plant sources such as herbs, fruits, and spices, have a long history of traditional use for managing respiratory symptoms, including sinus congestion. Traditional remedies often utilize phenolic-rich botanicals like thyme, eucalyptus, and peppermint, either in teas, inhalations, or topical applications. The rationale is typically based on the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties attributed to these plants, with phenolics considered one of the active constituents. For example, steam inhalation with phenolic-rich essential oils is a common folk remedy for sinus congestion.
However, direct scientific evidence specifically linking phenolics (as a class) to relief of sinus congestion in humans is limited. Most available data are preclinical, showing that some phenolics possess anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties that could theoretically reduce symptoms of sinusitis or congestion. Clinical trials directly testing isolated phenolics for sinus congestion are lacking, and most supportive evidence comes from studies of whole plant extracts or essential oils rather than purified phenolic compounds.
Overall, the use of phenolics for sinus congestion is primarily justified by traditional use rather than robust scientific validation, and the quality of evidence supporting their clinical efficacy for this indication is modest.
More about phenolics (various)
More about Congestion (sinus)
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
Fang-Feng
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by phenolics (various)
Acid IndigestionAcne
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema