Evidence supporting the use of: Black Seed
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

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

Black Seed (Nigella sativa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa, as a remedy for respiratory ailments including coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. The seeds and their oil have been used in folk remedies to soothe dry coughs and support overall respiratory health. Traditional Persian, Unani, and Islamic medicine texts mention Black Seed as a mucolytic and expectorant agent, often recommending it in honey or as an infused tea for cough relief.

From a scientific perspective, some laboratory and animal studies suggest that thymoquinone, the main active compound in Black Seed, exhibits anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and mild antitussive properties. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating its effectiveness for dry cough are limited, and most human studies focus on asthma or allergic symptoms rather than cough itself. Thus, while there are plausible biological mechanisms and a strong tradition supporting Black Seed’s use for cough, clear, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking.

In summary, the use of Black Seed for dry cough is justified primarily by traditional use, supported by modest preliminary scientific findings but lacking rigorous clinical validation for this specific condition.

More about Black Seed
More about Cough (dry)

Products containing Black Seed

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