Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe vera
For the health condition: Cough (damp)

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Synopsis

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

Aloe vera has a long history of traditional use in various medical systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for the treatment of coughs, especially those characterized as “damp” (which refers to coughs with phlegm or mucus). In TCM, aloe vera (known as Lu Hui) is sometimes incorporated into remedies to clear heat and support lung health, though it is more commonly noted for its laxative and skin-soothing properties. The mucilaginous gel from the aloe vera leaf is thought to soothe mucous membranes, reduce throat irritation, and act as a demulcent, potentially easing cough reflexes caused by dryness or irritation.

However, scientific validation for the use of aloe vera in treating cough—especially coughs specifically classified as “damp”—is limited. Most modern research on aloe vera focuses on its topical uses (for burns and skin conditions) or its effects on digestion rather than respiratory conditions. A few small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that aloe vera juice may have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, which could theoretically support respiratory health, but robust clinical evidence is lacking.

In summary, while aloe vera is traditionally used in some cultures to support coughs with phlegm, contemporary scientific evidence is weak, and its use for this purpose is primarily rooted in traditional medicine rather than validated by modern research.

More about Aloe vera
More about Cough (damp)

Other health conditions supported by Aloe vera

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cysts
Dandruff
Denture Sores
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Fever
Foot Odor
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Overacidity
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
Shingles
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Slivers
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stretch Marks
Stye
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toothache
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urethritis
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urine (scant)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles