Chekiang Fritillary, known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as Fritillaria thunbergii (Zhe Bei Mu), has been historically used to treat various types of cough, particularly those classified as "damp" or "phlegm-heat" coughs. According to TCM theory, Zhe Bei Mu is categorized as an herb that "clears heat and transforms phlegm," making it suitable for coughs with symptoms such as thick, yellow sputum, a sensation of chest congestion, and a greasy tongue coating—signs associated with dampness and heat in the lungs. The use of Chekiang Fritillary for cough appears in classic materia medica texts, such as the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica) and is included in many traditional formulations for resolving phlegm and alleviating cough.

Modern pharmacological studies have identified alkaloids (such as peimine and peiminine) in Fritillaria species, which show some expectorant and antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in laboratory settings. However, the bulk of the evidence supporting its use comes from traditional practice and centuries of empirical use rather than rigorous clinical trials. Scientific validation for its efficacy in treating cough, especially coughs specifically attributed to "damp" conditions, remains limited. Therefore, while its traditional use is well established and supported by historical texts and ongoing clinical use in TCM, high-quality scientific evidence is still insufficient, justifying a moderate evidence rating.