Evidence supporting the use of: Flesh-Finger Citron
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Flesh-Finger Citron (commonly known as Buddha's hand, Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various respiratory ailments, including dry cough. In TCM, this fruit is believed to soothe the lungs, transform phlegm, and relieve cough due to its aromatic and moistening properties. Classical texts and herbal compendia such as the “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu) mention its use in managing coughs, particularly those associated with dryness or irritation. However, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for dry cough is minimal. While the fruit contains essential oils, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds with mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, there are no robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies directly validating its efficacy for dry cough in humans. Most available data pertains to its traditional uses, with in vitro or animal studies suggesting only general beneficial effects on respiratory health. In summary, the use of Flesh-Finger Citron for dry cough is primarily supported by tradition, not modern scientific research.
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 Flesh-Finger Citron
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cramps and Spasms
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Infection
Inflammation
Insomnia
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sore Throat
Stress
Ulcers
Worry
Wounds and Sores