Evidence supporting the use of: Spruce
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Spruce (Picea species), especially in the form of essential oil or inhaled preparations, has traditionally been used in folk medicine for respiratory complaints, including sinus congestion. Indigenous peoples and early herbalists often utilized spruce needles, resins, or oils as part of steam inhalations or balms, believing that the aromatic compounds could help clear nasal passages and ease breathing. The primary constituents in spruce oil—such as bornyl acetate, camphene, and alpha-pinene—are similar to those found in other coniferous essential oils traditionally used for respiratory support.
However, scientific validation for spruce’s efficacy in treating sinus congestion is quite limited. While there is some evidence that inhaling volatile oils (like eucalyptus or pine) can temporarily reduce the perception of congestion by stimulating cold receptors and providing a subjective sensation of easier breathing, specific clinical research on spruce oil is lacking. The evidence level is therefore rated as 2: mainly based on traditional use, with some plausible mechanisms but minimal direct clinical data.
In summary, the use of spruce for sinus congestion is primarily rooted in tradition and anecdotal practice. While the aromatic compounds in spruce may provide short-term relief through their scent and mild expectorant properties, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for this purpose.
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 spruce
ArthritisBackache
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Inflammation
Injuries
Laryngitis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Pleurisy
Sore Throat