Evidence supporting the use of: Sea salt
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Sea salt is commonly used in nasal irrigation therapies, such as saline nasal sprays or neti pots, to relieve sinus congestion. The practice of nasal irrigation has roots in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, but its effectiveness is now supported by scientific research. Saline solutions made with sea salt or other non-iodized salts help to moisturize the nasal passages, thin mucus, and flush out allergens, pathogens, and debris, thereby reducing congestion and sinus symptoms.
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that saline nasal irrigation can decrease the severity and frequency of sinus symptoms in both acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. For example, a 2007 study in the journal Annals of Family Medicine found that regular use of saline irrigation improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with chronic sinusitis. The solution’s mild salt concentration (isotonic or slightly hypertonic) helps reduce tissue swelling and promote mucociliary clearance. Sea salt is often chosen for its mineral content and because it closely mimics the body’s own electrolyte balance, though the primary benefit comes from the saline effect rather than any unique property of sea salt specifically.
Overall, the use of sea salt in saline nasal irrigation is scientifically validated as an effective adjunct therapy for sinus congestion, with a substantial body of clinical evidence supporting its safety and efficacy.
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 sea salt
AbrasionsAcid Indigestion
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Bleeding (external)
Burns and Scalds
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dehydration
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores