Evidence supporting the use of: Fang-Feng
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fang-Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata) is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its purported ability to "expel wind" and alleviate symptoms associated with wind-cold or wind-heat invasions, which commonly present as nasal congestion, sinus issues, and headaches. In TCM theory, Fang-Feng is often included in formulas such as Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San and Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang, both of which address upper respiratory tract discomfort, including sinus congestion. The herb is believed to have diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties, and is sometimes used in combination with other herbs like Jing Jie or Qiang Huo to enhance its effects on the sinuses and nasal passages.
However, scientific validation supporting Fang-Feng’s effectiveness specifically for sinus congestion is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest possible anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, but clinical trials in humans for sinus congestion are lacking. The continued use of Fang-Feng for this purpose is therefore rooted in centuries of traditional use and clinical experience within TCM rather than robust modern scientific evidence. The evidence rating is moderate (2/5), reflecting traditional endorsement with limited scientific support.
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 Fang-Feng
AdenitisAllergies (respiratory)
Arthritis
Backache
Bites and Stings
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chills
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Dizziness
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Mastitis
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Scabies