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

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Synopsis

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

Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus), also known as sea moss, has a longstanding history of use in traditional Irish and Caribbean medicine as a remedy for respiratory ailments, including coughs—particularly those that are spasmodic or associated with throat irritation. The plant contains a high proportion of mucilage, a gelatinous substance that is believed to soothe irritated mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. This demulcent property is frequently cited as the rationale behind its use in folk medicine for relieving cough and sore throat. Historically, Irish Moss was often boiled into a decoction or syrup, sometimes with honey or lemon, to be consumed during episodes of bronchitis or persistent cough.

However, scientific evidence confirming these effects is limited. While mucilage-rich plants can provide a soothing effect on throat tissues, there are no robust clinical trials specifically evaluating Irish Moss for spastic cough or related respiratory conditions. Most available literature refers to traditional use or extrapolates from the general demulcent actions of mucilage-containing plants. Therefore, the evidence supporting Irish Moss’s effectiveness for cough remains primarily traditional and anecdotal, meriting a low evidence rating.

More about Irish Moss
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Products containing Irish Moss

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