Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, dodder seeds (often referred to as "Tu Si Zi") are primarily known for their effects on the kidneys and liver, where they are used to treat conditions such as impotence, premature ejaculation, and blurred vision. However, there are some traditional herbal formulations where dodder is included for its supposed tonic and restorative properties, which, in turn, may contribute to alleviating respiratory issues such as cough, including dry cough. The rationale is often indirect—by strengthening the overall constitution or "yin" of the body, dodder may support recovery from chronic or dry coughs associated with weakness or depletion.

Despite this traditional use, there is limited direct evidence (either traditional or scientific) to support dodder as a primary remedy for dry cough. Most modern pharmacological studies on Cuscuta focus on its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and reproductive health effects, with little direct research on respiratory conditions or cough. Therefore, its use for dry cough is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than scientific validation, and the evidence supporting its efficacy for this indication is quite weak.

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