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

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Synopsis

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

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for the management of coughs, including spastic or irritating coughs. In TCM, cinnamon bark (Rou Gui) is commonly included in herbal formulas intended to "warm" the lungs, dispel cold, and alleviate coughs that are believed to arise from cold or dampness invading the respiratory tract. Similarly, in Ayurveda, cinnamon is utilized for its warming properties to relieve respiratory discomfort, including cough and bronchospasm. The aromatic oils in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, are thought to exert mild expectorant and soothing effects on the respiratory tract.

However, the scientific evidence supporting cinnamon's use specifically for spastic coughs is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and bronchodilatory properties of cinnamon extracts, which could theoretically benefit respiratory symptoms, but robust human clinical trials for cough suppression are lacking. Most modern medical sources do not list cinnamon as a primary or proven treatment for cough. Thus, while cinnamon's use is justified by tradition and cultural practices, there is a lack of strong scientific validation for its effectiveness for this specific condition.

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