Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea (various)
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Echinacea, a genus of flowering plants native to North America, has a long history of traditional use by Native American tribes and in modern herbal medicine for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and symptoms such as sinus congestion. Traditionally, echinacea preparations (from roots, leaves, and flowers) have been used as remedies to support immune function and to help the body resist or recover from colds, flu, and related respiratory symptoms, including congestion. The rationale behind its use for congestion is primarily based on its purported immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically reduce sinus inflammation and mucus production.
However, scientific studies evaluating echinacea’s efficacy in relieving sinus congestion specifically are limited and inconclusive. Most clinical research focuses on the prevention and duration of the common cold rather than sinus congestion itself. Some studies have found minor reductions in cold symptoms, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that echinacea does not have a significant, well-established effect on cold or sinus symptoms. Thus, while its use for sinus congestion is rooted in tradition and popular in herbal medicine, robust scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this indication is lacking.
More about Echinacea (various)
More about Congestion (sinus)
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
Ephedra
European Elder
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Eugenol
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Echinacea (various)
Allergies (respiratory)Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (sinus)
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Strep Throat
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores