Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Indian Long Pepper (Piper longum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of coughs associated with phlegm or "dampness." In Ayurveda, it is a key ingredient in formulations like "Trikatu," where it is believed to help clear respiratory passages, reduce mucus, and support overall lung function. TCM also classifies long pepper as an herb that can "transform phlegm" and "warm the lungs," making it a common remedy for coughs with copious or sticky sputum.

While there is a substantial traditional basis for its use, scientific validation remains limited. Some preclinical studies have shown that Piper longum possesses expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which could potentially justify its use in respiratory conditions. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically targeting cough with dampness or phlegm are lacking. Most evidence is thus derived from centuries of traditional practice, rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, the use of Indian Long Pepper for "cough (damp)" is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate traditional evidence supporting its application for this purpose.

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