Lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus), known as "Mai Men Dong" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use as a remedy for dry cough. In TCM, Lilyturf is considered to nourish "yin" and moisten the lungs, making it a common ingredient in herbal formulas prescribed for persistent, dry, or irritated coughs, especially those associated with dryness or heat in the lungs. Historical texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and many subsequent TCM materia medica sources document its use for these indications.

While there is a robust tradition supporting the use of Lilyturf for dry cough, scientific evidence is limited. Some pharmacological studies suggest that extracts of Ophiopogon japonicus may have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mild antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in animal models, which could theoretically support its use for cough. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking, and rigorous scientific validation is not currently available. Thus, the justification for its use is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, with a moderate level of historical evidence but limited modern scientific corroboration.