Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Pine
For the health condition: Cough (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Pine (Pinus tabuliformis), and pine species more generally, have a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for respiratory complaints, including general cough. Pine needles and resin have been incorporated into various herbal formulas, often attributed with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Historical texts such as the "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Bencao Gangmu) mention pine needles for treating coughs and phlegm. The use is largely based on empirical observation and traditional doctrine, rather than rigorous scientific study. Modern pharmacological research on Pinus species has identified some bioactive compounds (such as terpenes and flavonoids) with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activities, but there is minimal to no direct clinical evidence specifically supporting efficacy for cough relief. The majority of available support therefore comes from traditional usage rather than validated clinical trials or modern scientific research. As such, while the use of Chinese Pine for cough is well-documented in traditional practice, strong scientific validation is lacking. The evidence rating is moderate due to the depth of traditional use but should be interpreted cautiously in a clinical context.
Other ingredients used for Cough (general)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
carrot
cassia bark
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
pumpkin
raspberry
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
fumaria parviflora
prickly ash
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
root tuber
silk tree
juniper berries
amber
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
peach
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Arrowroot
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Allyl Sulfide
Aspen
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Blackbrush
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Chenopodium
Cistus
Common madia
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Currant
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Empresstree
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Ephedrine
Embelia
Fig
Garlic
Galangal
Himalayan Salt
Ivy
Lily
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Pine
ArthritisBronchitis
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Edema
Emphysema
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fever
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Insomnia
Laryngitis
Mental Illness
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Sinus Infection