Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Quince
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa, also known as "Mu Gua") has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but it is not primarily used to treat dry cough. In TCM, Chinese Quince is most often prescribed for conditions related to digestion, muscle cramps, and joint pain. However, some classical texts mention its ability to "transform dampness" and relieve certain symptoms associated with respiratory discomfort. The fruit is sometimes included in multi-herb formulas aimed at soothing the throat or supporting the lungs, but it is not a leading herb for cough—especially not for dry cough, for which ingredients like Fritillaria (Chuan Bei Mu) or Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi) are more typical.
Scientific studies on Chinese Quince have largely focused on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties. There is very limited direct scientific research specifically evaluating its efficacy for dry cough. Any support for its use in this context is based on traditional practice rather than modern clinical evidence. Thus, while there is some traditional precedent for its inclusion in broader formulas for respiratory comfort, the evidence is indirect and not robust for dry cough specifically.
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 Chinese Quince
Abdominal PainAppetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Gastritis
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Nephritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Stress
Ulcers