Evidence supporting the use of: Phenolics (various)
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phenolics, a broad class of plant-derived compounds that includes substances like thymol, eugenol, and various flavonoids, have a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating coughs, including spastic (dry, irritating) coughs. Various herbal remedies and expectorants employed in folk medicine—such as thyme, clove, and certain polyherbal cough syrups—derive part of their activity from phenolic constituents. These compounds may exhibit mild antitussive, anti-inflammatory, or soothing effects on the respiratory tract, which could contribute to symptomatic relief. However, the scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of phenolics for spastic cough is limited and largely based on in vitro studies or animal models demonstrating anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties. Clinical trials in humans are sparse, and most data come from traditional usage rather than rigorous scientific validation. Therefore, while there is a historical basis for their inclusion in cough remedies, and some plausible mechanistic support, robust clinical evidence is lacking, justifying a modest evidence rating.
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
Other health conditions supported by phenolics (various)
Acid IndigestionAcne
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema