Synopsis

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

Squill (Urginea maritima, also known as Drimia maritima) has a long history of use in traditional medicine as an expectorant for coughs and respiratory ailments. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was included in various medicinal preparations for conditions involving the lungs and chest. The primary active compounds in squill are cardiac glycosides (notably scillaren A and B) and other constituents, which were believed to stimulate mucus secretion and help clear phlegm from the airways.

Despite its traditional use, modern scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of squill for cough is limited. Some historical pharmacopoeias and early medical texts cite its expectorant properties, and squill was included in several cough syrups and lozenges in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, contemporary clinical trials are lacking, and its cardiac glycoside content poses potential toxicity risks, especially if not properly dosed. Due to these concerns, squill is rarely used in modern cough remedies, though it may still appear in some traditional herbal formulas. In summary, squill’s use for cough is primarily justified by historical precedent, with minimal scientific validation and safety concerns limiting its current application.

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