Evidence supporting the use of: Lesser Galangal
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

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

Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for respiratory issues including dry cough. Traditional practitioners often recommend galangal rhizome as a warming and expectorant agent to soothe coughs and clear phlegm, drawing on centuries of empirical use. Historical texts and ethnobotanical reports cite its application as a remedy for throat discomfort, hoarseness, and coughs, especially those attributed to "coldness" or "wind-cold" patterns in TCM.

However, scientific research specifically validating Lesser Galangal for dry cough is limited. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of its extracts, these do not directly translate to clinical evidence for efficacy in treating dry cough in humans. There are no substantial randomized controlled trials or robust pharmacological studies that confirm its benefit for this indication. Thus, use for dry cough is justified primarily by tradition, not by strong scientific validation.

In summary, Lesser Galangal’s use for dry cough is rooted in traditional medicine with a modest historical record, but lacks high-quality direct scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific condition.

More about Lesser Galangal
More about Cough (dry)

Products containing Lesser Galangal

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