Evidence supporting the use of: Reed Herb
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Reed Herb (commonly referring to Phragmites australis, also known as common reed) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other herbal systems. In TCM, the rhizome of this plant, called Lu Gen (芦根), is utilized for its cooling and moistening properties. It is traditionally prescribed to help relieve symptoms such as fever, thirst, and sometimes cough, particularly when there is dryness or heat in the lungs. The rationale in TCM is that Reed Herb can help generate fluids and clear heat, thereby alleviating dry coughs often associated with dryness or heat-related conditions.
However, scientific evidence supporting the use of Reed Herb specifically for dry cough is limited. Most available research on Phragmites australis focuses on its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, but studies rarely directly address cough or respiratory symptoms in human clinical settings. Historical texts and TCM materia medica do mention its use for cough, especially when accompanied by other signs of dryness, but this is based on traditional usage rather than modern clinical trials.
In summary, the use of Reed Herb for dry cough is mainly justified by traditional practices, with a moderate level of historic evidence but a lack of robust scientific validation.
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 Reed Herb
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)