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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Phellodendron amurense, known as Huang Bai in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use as an herbal remedy. In TCM, it is primarily recognized for its ability to clear “damp-heat” and is often used to treat conditions like dysentery, urinary tract infections, and certain skin problems. Its use for respiratory conditions, particularly coughs associated with “dampness,” is less prominent but does appear in some traditional texts. The rationale is based on TCM theory: coughs accompanied by symptoms such as thick phlegm, chest congestion, or a sensation of heaviness may be interpreted as “damp” in nature, and herbs that clear damp-heat, like Phellodendron, may be incorporated into complex herbal formulas. However, modern scientific research on Phellodendron amurense focuses largely on its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor properties, with little direct investigation into its effects on cough or respiratory illness. There are no high-quality clinical trials supporting its use for cough, and it is not commonly recognized in Western herbalism for this application. Therefore, its use for “damp” cough is based primarily on traditional practice, with minimal direct evidence from clinical or pharmacological studies.

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