Synopsis

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

Javanese Long Pepper (Piper retrofractum) has a long history of use in traditional Southeast Asian and Indonesian herbal medicine, especially in Jamu (Indonesian traditional medicine). According to traditional practices, it is used to help alleviate coughs associated with the concept of "dampness"—a term from traditional medicine systems that refers to phlegm or excessive mucus production. The warming and pungent nature of Javanese Long Pepper is thought to help "dry" dampness and clear respiratory passages. Classical herbal texts and ethnobotanical records from Indonesia, Java, and neighboring regions often cite its use for coughs, bronchitis, and related respiratory complaints.

However, scientific evidence for its efficacy in treating cough, especially "damp" cough, is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory properties in Piper species, but direct clinical trials or rigorous studies on humans for this specific use are lacking. Therefore, while its use is well established in tradition and supported by extensive ethnobotanical literature, modern research has yet to robustly validate these effects. Its role in treating cough (damp) remains primarily justified by traditional usage rather than scientific validation.

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