Evidence supporting the use of: Lichen (unspecified)
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lichens, particularly species like Usnea (commonly known as old man's beard) and Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica), have a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine for treating respiratory conditions, including bronchial congestion. Ethnobotanical records and historical European herbal texts describe the use of lichen infusions, syrups, or decoctions to soothe coughs, ease throat irritation, and help clear mucus from the airways. The mucilaginous (gel-like) properties of certain lichens are thought to coat and soothe inflamed bronchial tissues, which may provide symptomatic relief for congestion and cough. Additionally, lichens contain compounds such as usnic acid and lichenin, which have been studied for potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, though these properties have not been robustly linked to clinical efficacy in treating bronchial congestion.
Scientific research on lichens for bronchial congestion is limited and mostly preclinical, with few rigorous human trials. The majority of support for their use comes from traditional herbal practice rather than strong scientific validation. Consequently, while lichens are still included in some traditional and herbal cough remedies, their use for bronchial congestion is best understood within a traditional context, with limited evidence base for efficacy by modern medical standards.
More about Lichen (unspecified)
More about Congestion (bronchial)
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 Lichen (unspecified)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)Arthritis
Asthma
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Itching