Synopsis

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

Asarum sieboldii, commonly known as "wild ginger" or "saishin," is a traditional medicinal herb widely used in East Asian countries, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Kampo (Japanese traditional medicine). Historically, it has been employed as an ingredient in multi-herb formulas for treating respiratory ailments, including coughs, asthma, and nasal congestion. The herb is believed to have warming properties that help dispel "cold" from the lungs, which, according to traditional theory, contributes to cough and other respiratory symptoms. Classic TCM texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" document its use for cough and related conditions. However, modern scientific validation for these uses remains limited. Some pharmacological studies suggest that Asarum species contain volatile oils (such as methyleugenol and safrole) with potential anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, but these findings are preliminary and mostly based on animal or in vitro research. Safety concerns, especially due to the presence of aristolochic acids, further restrict its use. Overall, the support for using Asarum sieboldii to treat cough is rooted primarily in traditional practice rather than robust clinical evidence.

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