Evidence supporting the use of: Asarum sieboldii
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Asarum sieboldii, also known as "wild ginger" or "saishin," is traditionally used in East Asian medicine, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine), to treat respiratory ailments such as cough, especially spasmodic or persistent cough. The herb is a common component of classic formulas like Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang and Shoseiryuto that have been prescribed for centuries to address coughs and related symptoms. Its use is rooted in the belief that it can "dispel wind-cold," warm the lungs, and relieve cough and asthma. However, scientific evidence substantiating these effects is limited. While some laboratory studies suggest Asarum species may have antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most contemporary pharmacological insights remain preliminary, and concerns about toxicity (notably due to aristolochic acids) have led to restrictions on its use in several countries. Consequently, while Asarum sieboldii is indeed used traditionally for spastic cough, the scientific validation is weak, and its continued use must be weighed against safety considerations.
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 Asarum sieboldii
Abdominal PainAllergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fever
Headache (sinus)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Itching
Laryngitis
Nausea and Vomiting
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sore Throat
Wheezing
Wounds and Sores