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

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Synopsis

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

Greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia and Ayurvedic medicine, for treating respiratory ailments such as cough, including spastic or spasmodic cough. Traditional healers have employed galangal rhizome preparations—decoctions, infusions, or powders—for their perceived warming, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Classic Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine texts mention galangal as an ingredient in herbal mixtures for coughs, colds, and bronchial disorders.

Modern scientific research into galangal’s effects on cough is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that galangal extracts possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mild bronchodilatory properties, which could theoretically benefit respiratory symptoms. However, there are no robust clinical trials or direct studies specifically evaluating the efficacy of greater galangal in treating spastic cough in humans. Therefore, while its use is justified by a strong tradition and historical practice, scientific validation remains preliminary and indirect. The evidence rating reflects this gap: tradition supports its use, but modern research is lacking, with no clinical confirmation for this particular indication.

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