Evidence supporting the use of: Indian Elecampane
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Indian Elecampane (Inula racemosa) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for respiratory conditions, including coughs—particularly those of a spastic or irritating nature. Traditional texts describe its root as an expectorant, bronchodilator, and anti-inflammatory remedy, often used in formulations to ease symptoms of cough, asthma, and bronchitis. The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones (such as alantolactone and isoalantolactone), which are thought to contribute to its expectorant and antitussive effects.
However, there is limited modern scientific research specifically validating the efficacy of Indian Elecampane for spastic cough. Most available studies are either in vitro or animal-based, focusing on the anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory potential of its extracts. While these findings are promising, they do not directly translate to clinical efficacy in humans for cough (spastic). There are no large, well-controlled clinical trials confirming its benefit for this specific condition. Nonetheless, its traditional use is well-documented in classical Indian medicine, and it continues to be included in multi-herb formulations for respiratory health.
In summary, Indian Elecampane’s use for spastic cough is primarily based on traditional medical systems, with only modest scientific support from preclinical studies and an absence of robust human clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
pear
platycodon root
plum fruit
pomegranate
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
prickly ash
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
juniper berries
dodder
sweet flag
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
acacia
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bayleaf
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cnidium
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Poppy