Evidence supporting the use of: Greater galangal
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

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

Greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia and Ayurvedic medicine, for the management of respiratory ailments, including dry cough. Traditional practitioners have utilized galangal rhizomes as an expectorant and to soothe throat irritation. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys document the use of galangal preparations—often as teas, powders, or decoctions—for cough relief and as a remedy for various conditions involving the respiratory tract.

However, while the traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation remains limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of galangal possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could, in theory, contribute to relieving cough symptoms. Nevertheless, there is a lack of clinical trials or robust pharmacological evidence directly supporting the effectiveness of greater galangal specifically for dry cough in humans. The available scientific literature primarily addresses its general antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, not its direct action on cough reflex or dry cough symptoms.

In summary, greater galangal’s use for dry cough is primarily supported by traditional knowledge, with only limited and indirect scientific evidence. More rigorous clinical studies are needed to substantiate these traditional claims.

More about Greater galangal
More about Cough (dry)

Products containing Greater galangal

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