Evidence supporting the use of: Aster tataricus
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Aster tataricus, commonly known as "Zi Wan" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long-standing history of use for respiratory ailments, particularly dry coughs. Historical TCM texts describe its application in herbal formulas aimed at moistening the lungs, dissolving phlegm, and relieving cough. The root of Aster tataricus is often included in classical prescriptions such as "Zhi Sou San" (Stop Cough Powder), which is specifically formulated for coughs—both dry and with scanty phlegm.
While there is some preliminary laboratory research suggesting that extracts of Aster tataricus exhibit antitussive (cough-suppressing) and expectorant properties in animal models, the majority of supporting evidence for its use in humans comes from traditional practice rather than rigorous clinical trials. The scientific studies that exist are generally limited in scope, with small sample sizes and lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials.
Therefore, the justification for using Aster tataricus for dry cough is primarily rooted in its traditional use within TCM frameworks, underpinned by centuries of empirical application. Modern scientific validation remains limited, but its continued inclusion in herbal formulas and widespread use in Asia highlight its importance in traditional respiratory care.
Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
oregano
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fumaria parviflora
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
dodder
sweet flag
menthol oil
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ambergris
acacia
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bayleaf
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Poppy