Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Unani medicine, as a remedy for respiratory ailments including dry cough. Traditional texts describe asafoetida as an expectorant and antispasmodic agent used to soothe coughs and facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. It is commonly administered in powdered form, sometimes mixed with honey or warm water, to address symptoms of dry cough and throat irritation.

However, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific use is limited. While asafoetida does contain volatile oils and compounds (such as ferulic acid and sulfur-containing compounds) that may have mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, robust clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness for dry cough in humans are lacking. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest potential bronchodilatory and antitussive effects, but these findings have not been sufficiently validated in clinical settings.

Overall, the use of asafoetida for dry cough is primarily justified by traditional medical practice and historical usage rather than strong scientific validation. Its role in modern phytotherapy for cough is therefore regarded as supplementary and based on anecdotal or cultural practices rather than rigorous evidence.