Evidence supporting the use of: Clove
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

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

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani, for the relief of coughs—particularly dry coughs. The primary active constituent in clove is eugenol, which is known for its analgesic and mild anesthetic properties. Traditionally, clove is used in the form of teas, lozenges, or simply chewed, to soothe sore throats and reduce cough reflex. The aromatic oils are believed to help loosen mucus and ease throat irritation, thus providing symptomatic relief from dry cough.

Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of clove in treating dry cough is limited. While laboratory studies have demonstrated that clove oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, direct clinical trials evaluating its effect specifically on dry cough in humans are lacking. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that clove extracts may inhibit certain pathogens and reduce airway inflammation, but these findings have not yet been robustly translated into human trials.

Overall, the traditional use of clove for dry cough is well-established, but scientific validation is minimal and mainly indirect. Therefore, while its use is justified by tradition and some plausible biological activity, strong clinical evidence is lacking, and its effectiveness remains to be confirmed by well-designed studies.

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