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

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Synopsis

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

Poppy, specifically referring to Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), has a long history of traditional use for alleviating cough, particularly spastic (or irritating, non-productive) coughs. This use is primarily due to the presence of alkaloids such as morphine and codeine in the poppy plant, both of which possess strong antitussive (cough-suppressant) properties. Historical texts and pharmacopoeias from various cultures, especially in Europe and Asia, document the use of opium derivatives from poppy for treating cough and respiratory distress. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, opium tinctures and syrups were standard remedies for cough before the risks of dependence and side effects were fully understood.

However, modern medical practice relies on purified, standardized preparations (such as codeine) rather than crude poppy extracts, due to safety and dosing concerns. Scientific validation exists for the antitussive effects of codeine, but not for unspecified or unrefined poppy preparations. Most regulatory authorities now restrict the use of unprocessed poppy due to variability in alkaloid content and potential for toxicity. Therefore, while tradition supports its use and the mechanism is plausible, the evidence for using unspecified poppy preparations for cough is limited and not directly validated by modern clinical trials.

More about poppy
More about Cough (spastic)

Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)

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Products containing poppy

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