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

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Synopsis

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

Lemon has been traditionally used as a home remedy for coughs, including dry cough. In many cultures, lemon juice—often mixed with honey and warm water—has been consumed to soothe the throat and alleviate cough symptoms. The rationale behind this use is that the acidity of lemon may help break down mucus, while its vitamin C content could support immune function. Additionally, the tangy taste of lemon may stimulate salivation and soothe dryness in the throat, providing temporary relief from irritation that triggers coughing.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of lemon for dry cough is limited. Most clinical studies focus on honey's benefits for cough rather than lemon itself. While lemons are rich in vitamin C, current research does not conclusively show that vitamin C supplementation alone can relieve cough symptoms, especially in the context of dry cough. There is some evidence that vitamin C may help reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms, but not specifically dry cough.

In summary, the use of lemon for dry cough is primarily rooted in traditional practices and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific validation. It remains a popular, easily accessible remedy, but its effectiveness is more likely due to symptomatic relief rather than direct action on the underlying cause of dry cough.

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