Red Spruce (Picea rubens) has a history of traditional use in North American indigenous and folk medicine, including for respiratory complaints such as coughs. The resin, bark, and sometimes needles have been prepared as teas, syrups, or topical treatments. Specifically, the aromatic compounds and resins present in Red Spruce were believed to have soothing properties for the throat and to help with coughs, including those of a spastic or persistent nature. However, the evidence supporting this use is primarily anecdotal and based on ethnobotanical records rather than clinical studies.

There is currently a lack of rigorous scientific research directly assessing the efficacy or safety of Red Spruce for treating spastic cough. No randomized controlled trials or pharmacological studies have confirmed mechanisms of action relevant to cough suppression or bronchodilation. Most literature references its use in a traditional or historical context only. Therefore, while the traditional use exists, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are very low, and it should not be considered a scientifically validated remedy for cough.