Evidence supporting the use of: Ambergris
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Ambergris, a substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Unani and some historical European pharmacopeias. Traditionally, ambergris was believed to possess antispasmodic and expectorant properties, leading to its occasional use for the relief of coughs, including spastic (convulsive) coughs. Historical texts reference its use as a remedy for various respiratory ailments, including chronic cough and bronchial irritation. However, these uses were based on empirical observations and the materia medica traditions of the time, rather than controlled scientific investigation.

Modern scientific research on ambergris for the treatment of cough, particularly spastic cough, is extremely limited or nonexistent. There are no well-conducted clinical trials or pharmacological studies supporting its efficacy or safety for this indication. The evidence for its use is thus almost entirely traditional, with no substantial scientific validation. Furthermore, due to conservation concerns and the difficulty of obtaining ambergris (as it is a rare excretion of sperm whales), its use in contemporary medicine is virtually obsolete.

In summary, while ambergris has a historical reputation in traditional medicine for treating cough, this is not corroborated by modern scientific evidence. Its use today is primarily of historical interest rather than practical therapeutic value.

More about ambergris
More about Cough (spastic)

Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)

Abies spectabilis
Acacia
Aconite
Adenophora
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Alantolactone
Albizia
Alcohol
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
ambergris
Anamarrhena
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andrographolide
anise
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apple
Aralia
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Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
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atractylone
Baccharoides anthelmintica
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bayleaf
Belamcanda
benegut perilla (proprietary)
Bergenia
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black cumin
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black salt
black seed
boneset
borage
Buddha\'s hand
cactus
calamus
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capsicum
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chen pi
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Chondrus
cineole
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elecampane
ephedrine
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flavoglycosides
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fritillary
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ginger
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glehnia root
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gum
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horehound
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Ilex
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inula racemosa
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jujube
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Khella
Lactucarium
Large-leaved linden
lemon
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Ligusticum
linden
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lobelia
loquat
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zhejiang fritillary
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Products containing ambergris

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