Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rhizomes from various plants—such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)—have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems for treating respiratory allergies and related symptoms. In Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these rhizomes are often prescribed to manage cough, bronchial irritation, and symptoms reminiscent of allergic rhinitis or asthma. The rationale is typically based on their perceived anti-inflammatory, expectorant, or immune-modulating properties. For instance, ginger is believed to reduce phlegm and inflammation, and licorice root is thought to soothe mucous membranes and act as a demulcent.

While preclinical studies suggest that some rhizomes possess compounds (such as gingerols in ginger and curcuminoids in turmeric) with anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects, clinical evidence remains limited and inconclusive. Few high-quality, large-scale clinical trials have directly assessed the efficacy of rhizome extracts for respiratory allergies in humans. Most supporting evidence is anecdotal, observational, or derived from animal studies. Therefore, the use of rhizomes for respiratory allergies is primarily justified by traditional use, with some preliminary scientific interest but insufficient robust validation to warrant a higher evidence rating.

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