Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic bulb
For the health condition: Cough (damp)

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Synopsis

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

Garlic bulb (Allium sativum) has a long history of traditional use in various medical systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for supporting respiratory health and treating conditions such as cough, particularly when associated with “dampness.” In TCM, a “damp cough” typically refers to coughs characterized by phlegm or mucus, and garlic is considered to have warming and dispersing properties that can help expel “dampness” and resolve phlegm. Historical texts and herbal compendiums describe the use of garlic to treat cough, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms, often in conjunction with other herbs or as part of home remedies (such as garlic-infused honey or teas).

From a scientific perspective, garlic contains organosulfur compounds (such as allicin) that exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, and expectorant properties in vitro, which may theoretically help address respiratory infections and clear mucus. However, high-quality clinical trials directly evaluating garlic’s effect on cough, especially cough characterized as “damp” in TCM terms, are limited. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on small, non-randomized studies. Thus, while there is plausible biological activity and strong traditional rationale for garlic’s use in this context, robust scientific validation is lacking. The evidence rating reflects this: traditional use is well-established, but scientific support is still emerging and not definitive.

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