Synopsis

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

Shogaol is a pungent compound found in ginger (Zingiber officinale), and its use in treating cough—especially coughs associated with “dampness” as described in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—is based primarily on traditional practices. In TCM, ginger and its constituents have long been used to “dispel cold” and “transform phlegm,” which are believed to address symptoms of cough, particularly when accompanied by a sensation of heaviness, sputum production, or other signs interpreted as internal dampness. The warming and drying properties attributed to shogaol-containing ginger are thought to help resolve these patterns.

However, while there is some preliminary scientific evidence that shogaol possesses anti-inflammatory and antitussive (cough-suppressing) activities in experimental models, direct clinical evidence supporting its use for cough associated with dampness is limited. Most modern studies focus on ginger extracts as a whole, not shogaol specifically, and clinical trials evaluating its efficacy for cough in humans are lacking. The rating of 2/5 reflects the fact that while tradition strongly supports its use, scientific validation in this specific context remains weak and largely inferential.

In summary, the use of shogaol for “cough (damp)” is primarily grounded in traditional medicine systems, with early-stage laboratory research providing limited but suggestive support for its potential role. More rigorous clinical research would be needed to confirm its effectiveness for this indication.

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