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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European folk remedies. They were commonly used as a remedy for respiratory ailments, including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. The berries contain various volatile oils, such as alpha-pinene and myrcene, which are thought to have mild expectorant properties that could, in theory, help in loosening mucus and easing coughs, including spastic (or dry, spasmodic) coughs. However, while these traditional uses are well-documented in historical herbal texts and ethnobotanical records, there is a lack of high-quality clinical studies validating the efficacy of juniper berries specifically for cough, especially spastic cough. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or based on the phytochemical composition of the berries, which suggests potential, but not proven, benefits. Contemporary herbal medicine references sometimes list juniper as a secondary or adjunctive remedy for respiratory issues, mainly because of its aromatic and mildly antimicrobial properties. Nonetheless, due to the absence of strong scientific validation and safety concerns regarding prolonged use (juniper can be nephrotoxic in high doses), its use for cough is best understood as a traditional practice rather than a scientifically endorsed treatment.

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