Evidence supporting the use of: Frankincense
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Frankincense, derived from the resin of Boswellia species, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, notably in Ayurveda and Middle Eastern herbal practices, for respiratory ailments including bronchial congestion. Traditional applications often involve burning the resin and inhaling the smoke or preparing it as an ingredient in herbal remedies aimed at alleviating coughs, colds, and congestion. The rationale for its use is based on observations of its aromatic properties and its perceived ability to soothe the respiratory tract.
From a scientific perspective, there is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of frankincense for bronchial congestion. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that Boswellia extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to compounds such as boswellic acids, which might theoretically help reduce airway inflammation. However, direct clinical trials investigating frankincense’s effects specifically on bronchial congestion or respiratory tract infections in humans are lacking. Most modern research on frankincense focuses on its potential benefits for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and asthma, not acute congestion.
In summary, while frankincense is traditionally employed for bronchial congestion, current scientific validation is minimal, and its use for this specific purpose is supported more by historical precedent than robust clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Fang-Feng
Fernbush
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Guaco
Gallesia
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Galangal
Heartsease
Hedyotis
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Frankincense
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Depression
Diabetes
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Epilepsy
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores