Evidence supporting the use of: Sodium chloride
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Sodium chloride (commonly known as salt) is widely used in the form of saline nasal sprays or rinses to treat and relieve sinus congestion. The scientific basis for its use is well-established. Saline solutions help moisturize dry nasal passages, loosen thick mucus, and promote its clearance from the nasal and sinus cavities. This mechanical cleansing action can reduce congestion, improve breathing, and decrease the risk of secondary infections.
Multiple clinical studies and reviews support the use of isotonic (0.9%) and hypertonic (higher concentration) saline solutions in managing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, allergic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis. Guidelines from organizations such as the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery recommend saline nasal irrigation as an adjunctive treatment for sinus congestion and related conditions. The treatment is considered safe, inexpensive, and associated with minimal side effects when prepared and administered correctly.
While sodium chloride does not treat the underlying cause of sinus congestion (such as infection or allergies), its use as a supportive therapy is validated by a significant body of evidence. It is also widely used in traditional home remedies (such as neti pots), but its endorsement in modern clinical practice is grounded in scientific research.
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
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
Wasabi
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
Asteraceae
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
Fang-Feng
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Honey
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Horsemint
Isatis
Long Pepper
Ivy
Ledebouriella
Litsea
Lomatium
Laggera pterodonta
Limonene
Ligustrazin
Labrador Tea
Ligusticum
Mustard
Marjoram
Marsh Tea
Monoterpenes
Meadow sage
Mucolase
Nardostachys
Nigella Seed
Nutmeg
Osha
Orris
Osmanthus
Phellodendron
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Rhus coriaria
Ravinsara
Sabadilla
Sichuan Lovage
Sophora
Smartweed
Sesquiterpenes
Solanum indicum
Sambucus nigra
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sundew
Sassafras
Thymus
Vervain
Vasicine
Viola
Vasicinone
Wulinshen
Winter Savory
Yuzu
Yerba buena
Zedoary
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Sodium chloride
Colds (decongestant)Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Hypotension
Oral Surgery
Sore Throat
Wounds and Sores