Evidence supporting the use of: Botanical Blend
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Botanical blends have been used traditionally in various cultures to help alleviate symptoms of colds, including nasal congestion. Many herbal decongestant blends contain ingredients such as eucalyptus, peppermint, elderberry, licorice root, and ginger, each of which has a long history of traditional use for respiratory conditions. For example, eucalyptus and peppermint oils are often used in steam inhalations or topical rubs to relieve congestion, largely due to their menthol content, which provides a subjective feeling of improved airflow. Elderberry is believed in folk medicine to support immune health and help reduce cold duration, though evidence is mixed and not directly related to decongestion. Scientific studies on these blends as a whole are limited; most available research focuses on individual components, and results are often inconsistent or based on small sample sizes. Generally, there is a lack of robust clinical trials supporting the efficacy of botanical blends as decongestants. Therefore, while traditional use is well documented, scientific validation remains modest, which is reflected in the evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
allspicewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Fruit
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Botanical Blend
Acid IndigestionAcne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Anxiety
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Grief and Sadness
Hair Care (general)