Synopsis

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

Squash, which refers generally to plants of the Cucurbita genus (such as pumpkin, zucchini, and butternut squash), has a history of use in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In these traditions, parts of the squash plant—such as seeds, pulp, or juice—have sometimes been used to soothe respiratory tract irritation or reduce cough symptoms. The rationale has often been based on the demulcent (soothing) properties attributed to the mucilaginous content of the fruit, which can coat the throat and provide symptomatic relief from irritation that triggers spastic or dry coughs.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of squash specifically for treating spastic cough is minimal to nonexistent. There are no high-quality clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies demonstrating efficacy for this indication. Most references to squash in the context of cough are anecdotal, found in herbal compendia or ethnobotanical surveys, and do not provide rigorous clinical proof. Modern herbal medicine rarely lists squash as a notable remedy for cough compared to other demulcent or antitussive herbs. Therefore, while its use is somewhat rooted in tradition, the evidence level is low and not substantiated by modern research.

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Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)

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