Synopsis

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

Dodder (Cuscuta species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these systems, dodder seeds (often referred to as "Tu Si Zi" in TCM) are primarily used for their supposed effects on the liver, kidney, and reproductive systems, but they have also been included in some traditional remedies for respiratory ailments, including coughs. The rationale for their use in treating cough, especially spastic or dry coughs, stems from their reputed ability to "tonify" or strengthen the body's vital energy ("qi") and to moisten dryness, which, according to traditional doctrine, can contribute to persistent coughs.

The evidence supporting the use of dodder for cough is largely anecdotal or based on historical texts rather than rigorous scientific studies. There are few, if any, clinical trials or pharmacological studies directly evaluating dodder’s efficacy for cough, particularly spastic cough. Some modern research has identified various bioactive constituents in dodder (such as flavonoids and polysaccharides) with potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but direct translation to antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects has not been established. Therefore, the use of dodder for cough remains primarily rooted in tradition rather than scientific validation, and the overall quality and quantity of evidence are low.

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