Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Congestion

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Synopsis

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

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues and congestion. Traditionally, turmeric is considered to have anti-inflammatory and warming properties, and it is often used as an ingredient in herbal teas, milk ("golden milk"), or poultices to help clear nasal and chest congestion. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is believed to help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, which could theoretically make breathing easier when suffering from congestion due to colds or allergies.

Scientific studies on turmeric’s effectiveness specifically for congestion are limited. While there is robust evidence showing that curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, there is a lack of direct clinical evidence supporting turmeric’s use for treating nasal or chest congestion in humans. Some animal studies and laboratory research suggest that curcumin can modulate inflammatory responses, which may indirectly support respiratory health. However, these findings have not yet been clearly translated into clinical recommendations for congestion relief.

In summary, turmeric is used for congestion primarily because of traditional practices and anecdotal reports, rather than strong scientific validation. The scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for congestion is weak, and more research is needed to confirm any direct benefits in this context.

More about turmeric
More about Congestion

Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gangrene
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Glaucoma
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Halitosis
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemochromatosis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Lice
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Mumps
Muscular Dystrophy
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Parasites (general)
Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sciatica
Scratches and Abrasions
Senility
Skin (infections)
Slivers
Snake Bite
Sprains
Staph Infections
Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis
Abscesses
Arteriosclerosis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bursitis
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Alzheimer's Disease
Arthritis
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Edema
Fatigue