Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Cough (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use as a remedy for coughs and other respiratory ailments in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. Its sweet, soothing properties are thought to help relieve throat irritation and suppress coughing. Historically, licorice root was included in cough syrups and lozenges for these reasons.
Scientifically, licorice root contains several active compounds, such as glycyrrhizin and liquiritin, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and expectorant properties. Laboratory studies and a limited number of clinical trials suggest that licorice root extracts can reduce inflammation in the airways, thin mucus, and soothe sore throats. For example, a few small human studies have shown that licorice gargles can reduce postoperative sore throat and cough symptoms. Additionally, in vitro studies indicate that licorice compounds may inhibit certain respiratory viruses and bacteria.
However, the clinical evidence supporting licorice root’s effectiveness for cough is limited and not robust. Most studies are small, short-term, or not well-controlled. Systematic reviews conclude that while there is some promise, more rigorous, large-scale human trials are needed to determine efficacy and safety for cough treatment. Importantly, excessive or prolonged use of licorice root can cause side effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia due to glycyrrhizin content.
In summary, licorice root’s use for cough is supported by both traditional use and a modest amount of scientific evidence, but the evidence is currently not strong enough for definitive clinical recommendations.
Other ingredients used for Cough (general)
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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
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Addictions (general remedies for)
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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
