Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for supporting respiratory health and alleviating bronchial congestion. In TCM, licorice root is often included in herbal formulas intended to "moisten the lungs," soothe sore throats, and ease coughing. Historical texts reference its expectorant and demulcent (soothing) properties, which are believed to help thin and expel mucus from the airways, thus easing congestion.
Modern scientific research on licorice root for bronchial congestion is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest that compounds in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin and liquiritin, may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing effects on mucous membranes. A few small clinical studies and animal models have shown that licorice extracts can reduce airway inflammation and mucus production, but these findings are preliminary and not robust enough to establish efficacy. Most authoritative reviews conclude that while licorice root is traditionally used for respiratory ailments, rigorous clinical trials in humans are lacking.
In summary, licorice root’s use for bronchial congestion is primarily supported by traditional use, with some suggestive but insufficient scientific evidence. It is generally considered safe for short-term use, but long-term or excessive intake can cause serious side effects, including hypertension and electrolyte imbalances. Always consult a healthcare provider before using licorice root for respiratory issues.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by licorice root
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Croup
Cushing's Disease
Cytomealovirus
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Estrogen (low)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibrosis
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pleurisy
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Sore Throat
Ulcers
Products containing licorice root
Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM
Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Breathe Activator TCM (formerly Breathe E-Z)
Nature's Sunshine C-X
Nature's Sunshine Combination CBG Extract
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Positive Pack
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Energ-V Capsules
Nature's Sunshine Female Comfort
Nature's Sunshine Gastro Health
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine HY-C
Nature's Sunshine HY-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine IF-C
Nature's Sunshine IF-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine LB Extract
Nature's Sunshine Lower Bowel Stimulator (Formerly LBS II)
Nature's Sunshine LBS II
Nature's Sunshine Licorice Root
Nature's Sunshine Licorice Root Extract
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance TCM
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Magnesium
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Chi TCM
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Pro-Pancreas Formula
Nature's Sunshine PS II
Nature's Sunshine Psyllium Hulls Combo
Nature's Sunshine Red Beet Root Formula
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine SF
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Stomach Comfort (Chewable)
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief TCM
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune TCM
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate GreenZone
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate Greenzone
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C® TCM
Nature's Sunshine Women's X-Action
