In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is the most widely used medicine for coughs, but it is not suitable for children and pregnant women, and should not be used for long periods of time.
Some research suggests that licorice may help reduce inflammation and may help with other respiratory problems, but more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
What is licorice Herb?
Licorice, also known as sweet root, is a plant native to parts of Europe and Asia. The root of the licorice plant is used in herbal medicine and is known for its sweet taste. It is often used as a flavor in foods, candies, and beverages, and is also used in some traditional medicine practices [1].
The active ingredients in licorice root are a group of compounds called glycyrrhizins, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Licorice root is sometimes used to treat digestive problems, such as heartburn and acid reflux, and may also be used to treat skin conditions like eczema.
It’s important to note that licorice can have some side effects and may interact with certain medications. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedies.
Does the herb licorice help with coughs?
Licorice root has an expectorant and expectorant effect, so it is very often used for coughs or diseases of the upper respiratory tract [2].
In gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) and stomach ulcers, the root is also used for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect.
Licorice root can be prepared very well as a tea. But the extract of the root is also an important ingredient in many ready-to-use medicines for gastrointestinal diseases or coughs. In particular, Dr. Klein GmbH & Co. KG offers effective preparations here.
Infusions, drops, syrups… Licorice is recognized by the Commission E, German reference in phytotherapy, to calm cough. It facilitates expectoration by regulating mucus secretion: it stimulates it in case of dry cough, and liquefies it in case of oily cough. It could also be immunostimulant and antiviral.
How to use it: take for five to six days, during the respiratory episode, licorice extracts or a homeopathic medicine, in the form of a paste to be sucked (Licorice Sambucus of Boiron, 10 to 12 pastes per day) [5].
The side effects of licorice
For healthy people, if they continue to take licorice every day for several weeks, it may cause some side effects such as hypertension, hypokalemia, weakness, paralysis, and occasionally brain damage. For patients who are already high in salt, have heart disease, kidney disease, and high blood pressure, these side effects may occur if they take up to 5 grams (g) per day.
Other side effects include fatigue, physiological disruption, headache, sodium retention, etc. Men may also have reduced libido and sexual dysfunction. Chewing licorice-flavored tobacco may have serious side effects such as hypertension.
However, not everyone will experience the above side effects, and not all side effects are listed here, so please consult your doctor for any concerns related to side effects [4].
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Medicinal plants for lungs and respiratory tract
Medicinal plants are useful plants that are used for medicinal purposes or as medicinal plants to alleviate illnesses – this can be the case internally and also externally.Numerous native and non-native plants can alleviate the symptoms of colds, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
One of the best-known herbs for the respiratory tract is ribwort plantain. A tea made from this common herb reliably treats dry coughs without sputum.Thyme is also popular for respiratory complaints – and has been for more than 4,000 years. It has an antispasmodic effect on the bronchial tubes, promotes expectoration and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
The “kitchen herb” also has a reliable effect against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Therefore, the use of thyme is medically recognized for inflammations of the upper respiratory tract – such as colds with cough -, symptoms of bronchitis and whooping cough.
Aniseed unfolds its healing effect in catarrh of the respiratory tract, as it has an expectorant and cough-suppressing effect. This can also ivy, which is also used for cold-related cough, acute and chronic bronchitis or whooping cough [3].
