Synopsis

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

Balsam pear, also known as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across Asia and Africa. In various ethnobotanical texts and folk remedies, balsam pear is cited as a treatment for a range of respiratory ailments, including coughs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic practices sometimes include preparations of bitter melon (such as teas or decoctions) to help alleviate cough, often attributing its effect to its “cooling” or anti-inflammatory properties. However, the majority of reports remain anecdotal or based on traditional authority rather than clinical evidence.

From a scientific perspective, there is some preliminary research into the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of bitter melon extracts, but these studies are generally laboratory-based (in vitro or animal studies) and focus on other conditions, such as diabetes or inflammation, rather than cough specifically. There is a lack of well-controlled clinical trials or pharmacological data directly supporting the use of balsam pear for cough. As such, while traditional use is well documented, scientific validation for this indication is minimal.

In summary, the use of balsam pear for cough is justified by traditional practices, but current scientific evidence is weak or lacking for this specific application.

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