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

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Synopsis

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

Inula (commonly Inula helenium, or elecampane) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially within Chinese and European traditions, for supporting respiratory health and treating coughs associated with excess phlegm or "dampness." In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Inula is known as Tu Mu Xiang or Xuan Fu Hua and is used to transform phlegm, descend rebellious Qi, and stop cough, particularly when the cough is productive and associated with dampness or mucus congestion. Similarly, in Western herbalism, Inula is valued as an expectorant and is included in preparations for bronchitis and chronic coughs where mucus is present.

Modern scientific research provides some support for these traditional uses. Laboratory studies have identified bioactive constituents in Inula, such as sesquiterpene lactones and inulin, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. However, most of this evidence is preclinical, based on in vitro or animal models, with limited clinical trials in humans. Thus, while the traditional use is well-documented and biologically plausible mechanisms have been proposed, robust scientific validation via clinical trials is still lacking.

In summary, Inula is primarily justified by traditional use for treating coughs with dampness or phlegm, with moderate evidence from traditional sources and some supportive but preliminary scientific findings. Its use remains common in both TCM and Western herbal practice for these indications.

More about Inula
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Products containing Inula

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