Synopsis

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

Ligusticum, particularly Ligusticum sinense and Ligusticum chuanxiong, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other herbal traditions for the treatment of respiratory issues, including cough, especially of the spastic or persistent type. In TCM, Ligusticum species are thought to help "dispel wind" and "relieve the surface," which translates into alleviating symptoms such as cough and bronchospasm, often associated with colds, flu, or upper respiratory tract infections.

Historical texts and TCM materia medica describe Ligusticum as an ingredient in formulations aimed at relieving cough, particularly when associated with wind-cold invasion or phlegm retention. It is often combined with other herbs in complex formulas such as Chuanxiong Cha Tiao San or in various cough syrups.

There is, however, limited modern scientific research directly supporting the efficacy of Ligusticum for spastic coughs. Most available studies focus on its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties, which could provide a theoretical basis for its traditional use. Nonetheless, the evidence remains largely anecdotal or derived from traditional practice, rather than from rigorous clinical trials. Thus, the use of Ligusticum for spastic cough is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

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