Evidence supporting the use of: Cyperus (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cyperus species, particularly Cyperus rotundus (commonly known as nutgrass or "motha"), have a longstanding place in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani. Within these traditions, Cyperus rhizomes are used for a variety of conditions, including respiratory ailments like cough, especially dry cough. In Ayurveda, Cyperus (Nagarmotha) is considered to have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory properties, which are believed to help soothe irritated airways and reduce coughing. Some traditional texts recommend its use in formulations that address cough, fever, and throat irritation.
While these uses are well documented in the historical and ethnobotanical literature, scientific validation is limited. A handful of in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of Cyperus may have anti-inflammatory or antitussive potential, but these findings are preliminary and not directly linked to relief of dry cough in humans. No robust clinical trials have been published to conclusively support its efficacy for this indication. Thus, the primary justification for using Cyperus in the management of dry cough is traditional, with a modest but not strong body of supporting evidence.
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 Cyperus (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Snake Bite
Sore Throat
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores