Synopsis

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

Anemarrhena asphodeloides (commonly known as Anemarrhena or Zhimu in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has a long-standing history of use in East Asian herbal traditions. In TCM, Zhimu is categorized as a cooling and moistening herb. It is frequently used in formulas to clear heat and nourish Yin, which can be relevant in treating coughs associated with dryness or heat, especially when accompanied by thick, sticky sputum or throat irritation. Zhimu is often combined with other herbs, such as Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao), in classic formulas like Zhi Mu Tang. These formulas are indicated for "spastic" or dry coughs that are thought to result from internal heat consuming body fluids.

While there is robust documentation of its traditional use in cough-related conditions, the direct scientific validation for Anemarrhena’s effectiveness specifically for spastic or dry cough is limited. Some pharmacological studies suggest that extracts from Anemarrhena possess anti-inflammatory and antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties in animal models, but human clinical trials are lacking or insufficiently rigorous to draw firm conclusions. Therefore, its use for cough (spastic) is justified mainly by traditional practice, with some preliminary but not definitive scientific support.

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