Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Pine
For the health condition: Cough (damp)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Pine, specifically the resin or needles from species such as Pinus tabuliformis and Pinus massoniana, has a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of coughs, especially those characterized as "damp" coughs. In TCM theory, "dampness" refers to an imbalance in the body's fluids and is often associated with phlegm accumulation and respiratory symptoms. Pine resin (known as "Song Jie") and pine needles are believed to have properties that help dispel wind-dampness, resolve phlegm, and support lung function. Classic TCM texts document the use of pine products as expectorants and cough remedies, often in combination with other herbs. However, scientific validation for these effects is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest that pine extracts have mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which could, in theory, benefit respiratory complaints. There is, however, a lack of robust clinical trials specifically evaluating the efficacy of Chinese Pine for damp coughs. Therefore, the support for its use in this context is primarily rooted in traditional practice rather than modern scientific research. While traditional use is well-documented, the evidence base by modern standards remains weak, meriting a modest evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Cough (damp)
aloe verablack currant
black pepper
radish
chen pi
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
green tea
licorice root
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fritillaria
coltsfoot
eucalyptus
horehound
Anamarrhena
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Bael
Butternut
Balloon Flower
Cineole
Common madia
Chekiang Fritillary
Chondrus
Dichrostachys glomerata
Galangal
Ivy
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Pine
ArthritisBronchitis
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Edema
Emphysema
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fever
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Insomnia
Laryngitis
Mental Illness
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Sinus Infection