Evidence supporting the use of: Citrus
For the body system: Sinuses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, have been traditionally used to support respiratory health, including the sinuses. This practice is rooted primarily in traditional and folk medicine rather than robust scientific validation. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids, which are believed to help support immune function and perhaps reduce the severity or duration of colds, which can affect the sinuses. Traditional remedies often suggest consuming citrus juices or inhaling steam infused with citrus peels to help clear nasal passages and relieve sinus congestion.
However, while there is some evidence that vitamin C can slightly reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms, there is limited direct scientific evidence linking citrus consumption specifically to improved sinus health or function. The mechanisms proposed are mainly based on immune support and antioxidant activity rather than any direct decongestant or anti-inflammatory effect on the sinuses. Most clinical studies focus on vitamin C supplementation for general immune health, not specifically on sinus conditions or sinusitis. Therefore, the use of citrus for sinus support remains primarily a traditional practice with only modest indirect support from scientific literature.
Other ingredients that support Sinuses
Allicinalpha-pinene
anise
Arisaema
asarabacca
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aster root
Baikal Skullcap
balloon flower
basil
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
betony
boneset
Boswellia
bromelain
Buddha\'s hand
butterbur
cajuput
calamus
capsicum
carvacrol
catnip
cayenne pepper
Centipeda
chamomile
cineole
Citrus
cocklebur
coltsfoot
cowslip
cubeb
Echinacea
Elder
elderberry
elecampane
English horsemint
eucalyptus
European Elder
Eyebright
fennel
flavanones
fritillaria
garlic
garlic bulb
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
goldenseal
goldthread
Grindelia
Guaco
Gumweed
heal-all
herbal blend (proprietary)
honey loquat syrup
horehound
horseradish
Lactobacillus sakei
Lactobacillus salivarius
lemon
lemon balm
lemongrass
Leptospermum scoparium
licorice root
Ligusticum
lingzhi
lobelia
Lomatium
luffa
lungwort
Maidenhair Fern
malabar nut
Marshmallow
Menthol oil
Mint
Monardella odoratissima
Monoterpenes
Mucilage
Mullein
Nasturtium
onion
oregano
Osha
Pelargonium
Pellitory
Peppermint
perilla
Petasines
pineapple
Pinellia ternata
plantain
Platycodon
platycodon root
Plectranthus amboinicus
Propolis
Pulsatilla
purple butterbur root
quercetin
radish
ragweed
ravinsara
Rhus glabra
Rumex acetosa
Sabadilla
sage
Sambucus nigra
Sanicle
schizonepeta
Serrapeptase
serratiopeptidase
Slippery Elm
spruce
Streptococcus salivarius
sweet flag
Sword Bean
Tea Tree Oil
Teucrium marum
thyme
Thymol
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Tylophora
Umckalin
Umckaloabo
vitamin C
Wood betony
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yarrow
Yerba buena
Yerba Mansa
Yerba santa
zhejiang fritillary
Zinc
