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

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Synopsis

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

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially within Persian, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, pomegranate rind and juice are sometimes used to "astringe the lungs" and alleviate coughs that are described as being caused by "dampness" or "phlegm" accumulation. The fruit is considered to have a cooling and moistening effect, and the astringent properties are believed to help curb excessive mucus production and soothe irritated throat tissues. Historical texts from traditional Iranian and South Asian medicine also reference pomegranate preparations—often the rind or juice combined with honey or other herbs—as remedies for coughs and sore throats.

However, while there is a significant body of traditional use, modern scientific support for pomegranate as a treatment for cough, especially in the context of "damp" cough as conceptualized in TCM, is limited. Some contemporary studies suggest that pomegranate has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which could theoretically benefit respiratory tract infections, but direct clinical trials for cough are scarce. Therefore, the primary justification for its use in this context remains traditional, with modest historical documentation but limited evidence from modern clinical research.

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