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

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Synopsis

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

Chinese orchid refers to several species in the genus Dendrobium, commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as "Shihu" (石斛). The use of Dendrobium species, particularly Dendrobium nobile, to support or treat cough—especially spastic or dry cough—stems primarily from historical practice rather than robust scientific validation. In TCM, Dendrobium is categorized as a yin-nourishing herb, believed to moisten the lungs, generate fluids, and alleviate symptoms such as dry mouth and irritative cough. Ancient texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and later pharmacopoeias recommend Dendrobium for lung dryness and chronic cough associated with yin deficiency. However, while preclinical studies have identified certain bioactive constituents (e.g., polysaccharides, alkaloids) with potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials specifically demonstrating efficacy for spastic (paroxysmal) cough. Modern scientific literature on Dendrobium focuses more on its antioxidant and general health-promoting properties rather than direct antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects. Thus, the use of Chinese orchid for spastic cough is justified by tradition and longstanding empirical use in TCM, but current scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific indication remains limited.

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