Evidence supporting the use of: Melia (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Melia, often referring to Melia azedarach (Chinaberry tree), has a history of use in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In these systems, Melia species have been employed primarily for their anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, as well as for the treatment of skin diseases and gastrointestinal complaints. While some traditional sources mention the use of Melia for respiratory ailments, including cough, these references are sporadic and not central to its ethnobotanical profile.
Specifically for spastic cough (a cough with a spasmodic or convulsive character), references to Melia’s use are limited and anecdotal. The traditional rationale may be linked to its general anti-inflammatory or antispasmodic reputation, but authoritative texts and pharmacopeias rarely highlight Melia as a primary botanical for cough suppression or bronchospasm. Furthermore, there is a lack of rigorous clinical or pharmacological studies validating its efficacy against cough, spastic or otherwise. Most available scientific literature focuses on Melia’s toxicological profile—indeed, parts of the plant are known to be toxic if ingested in significant amounts.
In summary, the use of Melia for spastic cough is justified primarily by limited traditional practices, with little to no scientific validation and only weak traditional support. Caution is warranted due to the plant’s potential toxicity.
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 Melia (unspecified)
AcneArthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chicken Pox
Chills
Cholera
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Eczema
Epilepsy
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections