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

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Synopsis

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

Galanga (Alpinia galanga), commonly known as greater galangal, has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for respiratory conditions, including coughs, particularly those described as “spastic” or related to bronchospasm. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys report the use of galanga rhizome as an ingredient in herbal formulations for soothing throat irritation, reducing cough frequency, and easing breathing. The traditional rationale is based on galanga’s warming, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.

However, while laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and bronchodilatory effects in extracts of galanga, these findings are primarily limited to in vitro or animal models. There is a lack of well-powered, controlled clinical trials in humans directly assessing its effectiveness for spastic cough or related respiratory symptoms. Therefore, the use of galanga for this indication is justified primarily by traditional practice, with only limited preliminary scientific support that does not yet meet the standards for strong clinical evidence.

In summary, galanga’s use for spastic cough is rooted in traditional medicine, with some suggestive (but not definitive) experimental data. Its role in modern evidence-based practice remains to be established pending further research.

More about Galanga
More about Cough (spastic)

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