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

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Synopsis

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

Nettle (Urtica dioica) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems for a variety of ailments, including respiratory conditions. Its use for coughs, including dry cough, is primarily rooted in folk medicine traditions from Europe and parts of Asia. In traditional practice, nettle leaf tea or extracts have been employed to soothe the throat, reduce irritation, and support general respiratory health. Herbalists historically attributed these effects to nettle’s mild anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which may help relieve throat dryness and irritation that can trigger a dry cough.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting the use of nettle specifically for dry cough is quite limited. While nettle contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals, and has demonstrated some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in laboratory studies, clinical trials investigating its efficacy for dry cough are lacking. Most modern scientific research on nettle focuses on its use for allergic rhinitis, arthritis, or as a general anti-inflammatory, rather than for cough specifically. Thus, while the traditional use is well established, robust clinical validation for this indication is absent.

In summary, nettle is traditionally used for dry cough, supported by anecdotal and historical reports rather than by high-quality scientific studies. Individuals seeking relief from dry cough should be aware of the limited scientific evidence and consult healthcare professionals for persistent symptoms.

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