Synopsis

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

Artemisia has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to treat respiratory conditions including coughs associated with "dampness" (excess phlegm or moisture in the lungs). In TCM, species such as Artemisia annua (Qinghao) or Artemisia argyi (Ai Ye) are sometimes used in herbal formulas to dispel dampness, clear heat, and relieve cough. The rationale is based on TCM's theory of disease, where coughs can be caused by internal imbalances such as dampness obstructing the lungs.

However, the scientific evidence supporting Artemisia's use specifically for coughs, especially those categorized as "damp" in TCM, is limited. While some Artemisia species have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitussive properties in laboratory studies, most research has focused on other uses (e.g., malaria treatment, digestive complaints, or general anti-inflammatory effects). There are only a few preclinical or animal studies suggesting potential benefits for respiratory symptoms, and robust clinical trials in humans for cough treatment are lacking.

In summary, Artemisia's use for cough (damp) is primarily justified by tradition rather than scientific validation. Evidence from the scientific literature is minimal and not specific to this condition, so the strength of evidence is rated as 2 out of 5, reflecting traditional usage with limited empirical support.

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