Evidence supporting the use of: Sugarcane
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in regions where it is widely cultivated such as India and Southeast Asia. In Ayurvedic medicine, sugarcane juice is sometimes recommended to relieve dry cough and soothe throat irritation. The rationale largely centers on its demulcent (soothing) properties, which can help moisten throat tissues and provide temporary relief from dryness and irritation—common symptoms of a dry cough. However, scientific validation for sugarcane's efficacy in treating dry cough is minimal. There are few, if any, clinical studies examining sugarcane or its juice specifically for cough suppression or relief. Its use is mainly supported by anecdotal reports and traditional knowledge, rather than robust clinical evidence. Sugarcane juice does contain natural sugars and some phytochemicals, which may have mild anti-inflammatory or soothing effects, but these have not been conclusively linked to cough relief in scientific studies. In summary, the use of sugarcane for dry cough relief is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than scientific research. Those considering its use should be aware of the lack of strong evidence and potential concerns for individuals with diabetes or those needing to control sugar intake.
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 Sugarcane
Abdominal PainAnemia
Appetite (deficient)
Bedwetting
Belching
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Debility
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Hair Care (general)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Indigestion
Infection
Inflammation