Synopsis

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

Galangal, a rhizome related to ginger and commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, has a long history of use as a remedy for cough and respiratory ailments. Traditional medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, have employed galangal to address symptoms like cough, sore throat, and congestion. The purported benefits are often attributed to its warming properties and its essential oils, which are believed to help in clearing mucus and soothing the throat. Historically, herbalists have prepared galangal in teas or decoctions for respiratory complaints.

However, scientific research directly evaluating galangal’s efficacy for cough is limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that galangal possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, which could theoretically contribute to alleviating cough if the underlying cause is infection or inflammation. Nevertheless, there are no robust clinical trials or systematic reviews confirming galangal's effectiveness specifically for treating cough in humans. Therefore, while its use is well-grounded in tradition, scientific validation remains preliminary and indirect.

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