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

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Synopsis

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

Blends or combinations of herbs are traditionally used in many cultures to treat spastic (irritative, dry) coughs. The rationale for using a blend is based on the belief that combining multiple herbs with expectorant, antitussive, demulcent, and soothing properties offers broader and more balanced relief than a single-agent remedy. For example, traditional European cough syrups may include a blend of marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and others, each contributing different mechanisms such as soothing mucous membranes, reducing cough reflex, or thinning mucus.

While some individual components have modest clinical evidence for efficacy (e.g., thyme or ivy leaf), the practice of using combinations itself is grounded primarily in traditional medicine rather than rigorous scientific validation. There are few well-designed clinical trials that examine the efficacy of specific herbal blends versus placebo or standard treatments for spastic cough. Most available studies either focus on single ingredients or are of low methodological quality (e.g., lacking blinding or controls). Therefore, the rating for evidence is 2, reflecting a traditional basis with limited supporting clinical data. Blends continue to be popular in many over-the-counter cough remedies, but further research is needed to specifically validate their efficacy for spastic cough.

More about Blend (Combination)
More about Cough (spastic)

Products containing Blend (Combination)

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