Evidence supporting the use of: Angelica archanglica
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica, has a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and some Asian traditions. The roots and seeds of Angelica archangelica have been used for a variety of respiratory complaints, including dry coughs, bronchitis, and other ailments involving the respiratory tract. Historical texts, such as those from medieval European herbalists, often mention angelica as an ingredient in cough syrups, expectorants, and herbal infusions intended to ease dry, irritating coughs. These uses are typically based on the plant’s reputed ability to stimulate the secretion of mucus, soothe mucous membranes, and its mild antispasmodic properties.
Despite these traditional uses, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Angelica archangelica for dry cough is limited. While the plant contains compounds such as essential oils (including α-pinene, β-phellandrene, and limonene), coumarins, and flavonoids, which may have mild expectorant or soothing effects, there have been few, if any, controlled clinical studies specifically evaluating its use for dry cough in humans. Most references to its benefits in this context remain anecdotal or are derived from ethnobotanical literature rather than modern pharmacological research. As such, while its use is justified by tradition and supported by historical herbal practices, the strength of evidence is modest and does not meet contemporary scientific standards for efficacy.
Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
oregano
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fumaria parviflora
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
dodder
sweet flag
menthol oil
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ambergris
acacia
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bayleaf
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Fruit
Fritillary
Fernbush
Flavoglycosides
Fringed Pink
Glehnia littoralis
Guava
gum
Gallesia
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Angelica archanglica
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anorexia
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Belching
Bronchitis
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Dyspepsia
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervous Exhaustion
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores