Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of traditional use as a remedy for coughs, including spastic (or spasmodic) cough. In traditional systems of medicine such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and various European folk practices, licorice root was often included in herbal mixtures aimed at soothing the throat, reducing cough reflex, and easing respiratory irritation. The demulcent (soothing) properties of licorice are attributed to its glycyrrhizin content, which may help coat mucous membranes and relieve irritation, potentially lessening cough severity. Though traditional use is well documented, the scientific evidence supporting licorice for spastic cough is moderate. Some laboratory and limited clinical studies suggest that licorice extracts possess anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and soothing effects on airway tissues, but robust, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most evidence remains anecdotal or from small studies with methodological limitations. Therefore, while licorice is widely recognized in traditional medicine for cough relief, and there are plausible mechanisms of action, the overall strength of scientific evidence does not yet fully validate its traditional uses for spastic cough.
More about Licorice (unspecified)
More about Cough (spastic)
Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
pear
platycodon root
plum fruit
pomegranate
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
prickly ash
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
juniper berries
dodder
sweet flag
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
acacia
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bayleaf
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cnidium
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Galangal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Licorice (unspecified)
Acid IndigestionAddictions (general remedies for)
Adrenal Fatigue
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Dyspepsia
Gastritis
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections