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

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Synopsis

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

Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) has a long history of traditional use in the management of coughs, including dry coughs. In traditional European herbal medicine and Ayurveda, sweet violet flowers and leaves have been used as a soothing expectorant and demulcent, thought to calm irritation in the throat and upper respiratory tract. Texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries mention syrup of violets as a remedy for coughs, particularly in children. The plant contains mucilage, which may coat mucous membranes, providing temporary relief from dryness and irritation. There are also mild anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties attributed to its constituents, such as saponins and flavonoids.

However, modern scientific research to validate these uses remains limited. Only a handful of preclinical studies suggest potential benefits, such as one animal study indicating antitussive (cough-suppressing) activity. No high-quality human clinical trials have been conducted to confirm efficacy or optimal dosing for dry cough. Thus, while sweet violet’s use for dry cough is well documented in traditional medicine, scientific evidence is insufficient, and its use for this indication should be considered primarily traditional and based on historical practices rather than confirmed modern clinical research.

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