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)
Abies spectabilisAconite
Adenophora
Adrenergic amines
Agastache
Alantolactone
Alcohol
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
Amor seco
Anamarrhena
andrographolide
Angelica
anise
Ardisia
Arisaema
asafoetida
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aster root
Asteraceae
atractylodes
atractylone
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
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balloon flower
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
basil
bayleaf
bee products
Belamcanda
benegut perilla (proprietary)
berry
beta-pinene
bicarbonate
Bidens pilosa
bisabolene
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black cumin
black currant
black galingale
black pepper
black salt
black seed
Black spruce
blackboard tree
Blepharis
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boneset
borage
borneol
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buckthorn
Buddha\'s hand
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bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
cajuput
calamus
Camellia sinensis
capsaicinoids
capsicum
cardamom
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cayenne pepper
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chen pi
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Chinese salvia root
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Chondrus
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cineole
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clove
coltsfoot
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cowage seed
cowherb
culvers Root
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curcumen
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diterpenes
dragonhead
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echinacea purpurea
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fernbush
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inula racemosa
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jungli-bean
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Laggera pterodonta
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lichen
licorice root
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linalool
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long pepper
lovage
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mustard seed
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ophiopogon root
oregano
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
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Paris polyphylla
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perilla
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phellodendron amurense
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Platycodon
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pomegranate
prepared aconite tuber
Pyrrosia
quercetin
ravinsara
rosemary
Rubiaceae
Sagebrush
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
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scrophularia root
Servicetree
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shiitake mushroom
Sichuan Lovage
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siler root
Sinigrin
Smartweed
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soursop
spearmint leaf
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spruce
squawvine
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vitamin C
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Wulinshen
Yellow root
Yerba buena
Yerba santa
zanthoxylum
Zedoary
Zingerone
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by licorice root
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
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Colds (general)
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Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
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Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
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Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
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Crohn's Disease
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Cytomealovirus
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Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Addictions (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
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
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
