Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Allicin, a sulfur-containing compound found in garlic (Allium sativum), has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in cultures such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, to address respiratory complaints including congestion. The rationale is largely based on garlic’s reputed expectorant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional remedies often involve raw garlic or garlic extracts to help relieve chest congestion, cough, and symptoms of colds. Scientifically, allicin does have antimicrobial activity in vitro and some mild anti-inflammatory effects, but there is limited clinical research directly linking allicin or garlic supplementation to significant relief of nasal or chest congestion in humans. Most available studies explore garlic’s impact on the common cold broadly, rather than congestion specifically, and results are mixed or of low methodological quality. Overall, the use of allicin for congestion is supported mainly by traditional usage, with only weak scientific evidence for its direct effectiveness in this context.

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Other ingredients used for Congestion

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