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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Pear (Pyrus spp.) has been traditionally used in several Asian cultures, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to soothe coughs, especially those described as "spastic" or dry, irritating coughs. According to TCM, pear is considered to have cooling and moistening properties, which are thought to help relieve throat dryness, reduce irritation, and suppress coughing. Pears are often consumed fresh, juiced, or stewed with honey and sometimes combined with herbs such as fritillaria bulb (Chuan Bei Mu) in home remedies aimed at calming coughs and clearing heat from the lungs.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of pear for cough is limited. There are few clinical studies directly evaluating pear's effectiveness for cough. Some laboratory research has indicated that pears contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which might provide some anti-inflammatory or soothing effects on the respiratory tract, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to cough relief. The rating of 2 reflects that while there is a strong traditional basis for its use, modern scientific validation is minimal and largely anecdotal. Pear remains a gentle, food-based remedy with a long history of use, but it should not be relied upon as the sole treatment for persistent or severe coughs without consulting a healthcare professional.

More about pear
More about Cough (spastic)