Synopsis

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

Plum fruit (Prunus domestica) has been used in some traditional medicine systems for a variety of ailments, including cough. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dried plums (sometimes referred to as "wu mei") are included in certain herbal formulas aimed at soothing the throat and relieving cough, particularly when the cough is accompanied by dryness or irritation. The use of plum in this context is believed to moisten the lungs and throat, reduce irritation, and help suppress coughing. Additionally, some folk remedies in other cultures have employed plum-based preparations for respiratory complaints, although these uses are less well-documented.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited direct evidence supporting the efficacy of plum fruit specifically for treating cough. Plums are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and certain polyphenols, which can have general health benefits and may support immune function. However, there are no large-scale clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies demonstrating a specific anti-tussive (cough-suppressing) action for plum fruit or its extracts. The evidence for its use in cough is therefore largely traditional, rather than empirical. Most modern recommendations for cough focus on well-supported therapies, but plum may still appear as a complementary ingredient in herbal mixtures based on historical precedent.

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