Synopsis

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

Atractylodes (primarily Atractylodes macrocephala and Atractylodes lancea) is a classic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is commonly used to address patterns involving "dampness," which may include symptoms such as cough with abundant phlegm, especially when the condition is attributed to internal dampness or spleen deficiency. In TCM theory, dampness can obstruct the lung and spleen, resulting in cough or phlegm symptoms, and Atractylodes is believed to "dry dampness" and "strengthen the spleen," thereby indirectly supporting the resolution of cough due to these patterns. Historical materia medica, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and later texts, describe its use for damp-related disorders but do not specifically emphasize cough as a primary indication. Rather, its use in cough is secondary, as part of broader formulas aimed at transforming dampness and resolving phlegm.

Modern scientific evidence directly supporting Atractylodes for cough is minimal, though some pharmacological studies suggest anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, controlled clinical studies for cough specifically are lacking. Thus, the justification for its use in cough (damp) is rooted in traditional theory and historical practice, with limited scientific validation.

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