Evidence supporting the use of: Clove
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

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

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani for the relief of coughs, especially those described as spastic or dry. Traditionally, clove buds are chewed, brewed as a tea, or used in syrups to help soothe throat irritation and cough. The rationale is mainly attributed to the presence of eugenol, a major volatile oil in clove, which is thought to have mild local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce throat irritation and suppress cough reflexes.

While a handful of laboratory and animal studies suggest that eugenol and other compounds in clove may have antitussive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, there is a lack of robust human clinical trials specifically evaluating clove or its constituents for spastic cough. Most of the supportive evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional usage patterns. Some reviews and pharmacognosy texts mention clove’s traditional use for cough, but modern guidelines do not formally recommend it as a primary antitussive agent.

In summary, the use of clove for spastic cough is primarily supported by traditional practices and experience rather than strong clinical evidence. Its modest rating (2/5) reflects the predominance of traditional support with limited scientific validation. Individuals interested in using clove for cough should do so with awareness of the lack of robust clinical data and consult healthcare professionals as needed.

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