Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Pine
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Pine (Pinus tabuliformis or related species) has a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various respiratory conditions, including sinus congestion. The resin, needles, and sometimes the bark are believed to possess expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. In TCM, pine products (often referred to as "Song Jie" or "Pine Node") are used to "dispel wind and dampness" and to promote the flow of qi, which is sometimes interpreted as aiding the clearing of congestion or blockages, including those in the sinuses.
While there are traditional preparations—such as teas, oils, or even inhaled vapors—based on pine needles or resin, the evidence supporting these uses is largely anecdotal or based on historical usage rather than rigorous scientific studies. There are a few laboratory studies on pine needle extracts demonstrating anti-inflammatory or mild antimicrobial effects, but these are not directly linked to clinical relief of sinus congestion in humans. The rating of 2 reflects that there is a significant traditional basis for use, but limited scientific validation.
In summary, Chinese Pine is traditionally used for respiratory complaints, including congestion, in Chinese medicine, but modern clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for sinus congestion is minimal.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
onion
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
lovage
mint
mustard seed
spruce
oregano
peppermint oil
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
boneset
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
sea salt
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Bitter Grass
Bougainvillea
Bee hive
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Carvone
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Chondrus
Dragonhead
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Galangal
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Pine
ArthritisBronchitis
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Edema
Emphysema
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fever
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Insomnia
Laryngitis
Mental Illness
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Sinus Infection