Evidence supporting the use of: Bayleaf
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Mediterranean and South Asian regions. In these traditions, bay leaves are often used as a home remedy for respiratory conditions, including coughs—especially dry coughs. The most common method involves preparing a decoction or infusion of bay leaves, sometimes combined with honey, and consuming it to soothe the throat and alleviate coughing. The rationale behind its use is largely based on the aromatic compounds present in bay leaves, such as eugenol and cineole, which are believed to possess mild anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
However, despite its traditional use, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence specifically supporting the efficacy of bay leaf for treating dry cough. Few laboratory studies suggest that some of its volatile oils have antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects, but these findings are preliminary and not directly linked to cough relief in clinical settings. No high-quality clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness for this indication. As a result, the use of bay leaf for dry cough remains primarily traditional, with limited scientific validation. Individuals should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before using bay leaf as a remedy, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
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
Other health conditions supported by Bayleaf
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones