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

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Synopsis

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

Ligusticum, especially species such as Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) and Ligusticum sinense (Gaoben), has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for various respiratory conditions, including cough associated with "damp" (phlegm, moisture retention). In TCM theory, "damp" cough often manifests as cough with copious sputum and a sensation of heaviness or chest oppression. Ligusticum is believed to invigorate the circulation of Qi and Blood, dispel wind, and resolve dampness, indirectly supporting lung function and alleviating cough symptoms.

Historical materia medica texts, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and subsequent TCM compendiums, describe Ligusticum’s applications for headaches, wind-dampness, and chest discomfort, sometimes including cough as a secondary indication. Its use in formulas for cough is typically in combination with other herbs that more directly transform phlegm or relieve cough, such as Pinellia or Platycodon.

However, there is limited direct scientific evidence for Ligusticum’s efficacy specifically for cough with dampness. Modern pharmacological research has focused more on its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and vasodilatory effects. Thus, while traditional support exists, high-quality clinical studies validating its use for cough (damp) are lacking.

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