Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Mucilage has a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment and relief of coughs. Mucilage refers to a group of gelatinous substances derived from plants such as marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). These substances are rich in complex polysaccharides that, when mixed with water, form a soothing, viscous gel. Traditionally, mucilaginous herbs have been used to coat the mucous membranes of the throat and upper respiratory tract, thereby reducing irritation and the reflex to cough. This demulcent action is well-documented in traditional herbal texts and pharmacopoeias, particularly in Western herbalism and Ayurveda.

Scientific validation of mucilage’s effectiveness is limited, though some in vitro and animal studies suggest that this coating property may indeed soothe irritated tissues. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly assessing mucilage for cough relief in humans. Most modern sources cite traditional use as the primary rationale, and mucilage-containing preparations remain common in over-the-counter cough remedies. While the rating is moderate due to the strong traditional basis and biological plausibility, it is not higher because of the scarcity of rigorous clinical data.

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