Phellodendron, known as "Huang Bai" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use primarily for clearing heat, drying dampness, and addressing conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary tract symptoms. While Phellodendron bark contains bioactive alkaloids such as berberine, which exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, its use specifically for dry cough is not strongly emphasized in classical or modern TCM literature. In some formulas, it may be combined with other herbs for broader "lung heat" conditions, but it is not a primary or traditional remedy for dry cough alone. Scientific studies on Phellodendron focus mostly on its effects for infectious, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, with little to no direct clinical or preclinical evidence supporting its efficacy for dry cough. As such, its use for this condition is rooted in broader traditional applications and is not directly supported by strong historical or scientific documentation.