Evidence supporting the use of: Abies spectabilis
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Abies spectabilis (commonly known as Himalayan Fir) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Himalayan regions. Its resin, bark, and leaves have been utilized by local communities and in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for treating various respiratory ailments, including coughs—especially those described as "spastic" or associated with bronchial irritation and spasms. The traditional use is based on observations of its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties attributed to volatile oils, resins, and other phytochemicals present in the plant. Documented ethnobotanical surveys and traditional pharmacopeias mention decoctions and infusions of Abies spectabilis being administered to alleviate cough, bronchitis, and related symptoms.
However, scientific validation for these effects is limited. While certain phytochemical analyses have identified the presence of bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, there are only a few preliminary in vitro or animal studies suggesting mild antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects. No robust clinical trials in humans have confirmed its efficacy, and the mechanistic understanding of its action remains speculative. Therefore, the use of Abies spectabilis for spastic cough is primarily justified by traditional knowledge and ethnomedicinal practice, rather than modern scientific evidence. Its rating reflects strong traditional usage but weak scientific corroboration.
Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
pear
platycodon root
plum fruit
pomegranate
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
prickly ash
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
juniper berries
dodder
sweet flag
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
acacia
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bayleaf
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cnidium
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by abies spectabilis
ArthritisBackache
Bruises (healing)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Pain (general remedies for)
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sprains
Wounds and Sores