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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Mucilage, a viscous, gel-like substance derived from certain plants (such as Althaea officinalis, Plantago spp., and others), has a long history of traditional use in treating coughs, particularly spastic or dry coughs. Herbalists and traditional medicine systems have valued mucilaginous herbs for their demulcent properties—meaning they can soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes in the throat and upper respiratory tract. Historical texts from European, Middle Eastern, and Asian herbal traditions frequently cite the application of mucilage-rich plants for cough relief. The mechanism is understood to be primarily physical: mucilage coats inflamed tissues, reducing irritation and the cough reflex.

While some in vitro and animal studies indicate mucilage can form a protective layer and may modulate local inflammation, robust clinical trials in humans are limited. A few small studies, such as those involving marshmallow root syrup or plantain extracts, suggest a reduction in cough severity, but these are not large-scale or definitive. Therefore, the use of mucilage for spastic cough is primarily justified by tradition and limited clinical evidence, rather than strong scientific validation.

In summary, mucilage’s use for cough—especially dry, spasmodic cough—is well-established in traditional medicine, with some supporting mechanistic and preliminary clinical data, but lacks high-quality, large-scale scientific validation.

More about Mucilage
More about Cough (spastic)

Products containing Mucilage

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.