Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice
For the health condition: Allergies (respiratory)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for treating respiratory ailments, including those with allergic components like asthma or allergic rhinitis. In these traditions, licorice is valued for its demulcent (soothing), anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. Practitioners often include licorice in herbal formulas to support the lungs, soothe mucous membranes, and reduce symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.

Scientific evidence regarding licorice specifically for respiratory allergies is limited and largely preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that glycyrrhizin and other flavonoids in licorice may possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which could theoretically help reduce allergic responses in airway tissues. However, robust human clinical trials directly evaluating licorice’s efficacy in treating or preventing respiratory allergies are lacking. Most available studies focus on broader anti-inflammatory or antiviral properties rather than allergy-specific outcomes.

Thus, while licorice is traditionally used for respiratory complaints, and there is some mechanistic rationale, the scientific evidence for its use specifically in treating respiratory allergies is weak. Caution is advised due to potential side effects, especially with long-term or high-dose use, such as hypertension and hypokalemia.

More about Licorice
More about Allergies (respiratory)

Other ingredients used for Allergies (respiratory)

2'-Fucosyllactose
Akkermansia muciniphila
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
ashwagandha
bacillus coagulans
benegut perilla (proprietary)
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
forskohlii root
ginger
ginseng
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus paracasei
lactococcus lactis
licorice root
magnesium
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
perilla
pineapple
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
purple butterbur root
quercetin
rhizome
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
vitamin C
vitamin D
water
mullein
cardamom
bee pollen
chrysanthemum
siler root
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
herbal blend (proprietary)
Aralia
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Acinetobacter lwoffii
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bidens pilosa
Bishop's Weed
Boswellia
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Balloon Flower
Cortisol
Capillary Artemisia
Cineole
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cinidium
Centipeda
Cistus
Clostridium butyricum
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Eyebright
Essential Oil Blend
Fang-Feng
Fernbush
Guaco
Galactooligosaccharides
Himalayan Salt
Honey
Heal-All
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
iridoids
Kefir
Kuding tea
Lesser speargrass
Mineral ascorbate
Monoterpenes
Marigold
Nigella Seed
Pinellia Ternata
Probiotics
Platycodon
Phleum Pratense
Plectranthus amboinicus
Rosmarinic Acid
Rooibos
Ravinsara
Sagebrush
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Terpenoids
Tagetes
Violet
Yuzu

Products containing Licorice

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.