Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Licorice
For the body system: Bronchials
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Chinese Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting the respiratory system, including the bronchi and lungs. In TCM, licorice is often included in herbal formulas to soothe sore throats, relieve coughs, and reduce phlegm. The root is thought to have demulcent (soothing), expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Classic texts and modern practitioners consistently reference its role in formulas for bronchial health, often in combination with other herbs.
Scientific research provides some support for these traditional uses, but the majority of evidence comes from in vitro or animal studies rather than large-scale human trials. Glycyrrhizin, a key compound in licorice, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and mucoprotective effects in laboratory studies, which may explain its traditional use for soothing bronchial irritation. However, clinical evidence in humans for licorice as a standalone treatment for bronchial conditions is limited. Most modern usage and recommendations for licorice in this context are based on its historical and traditional applications, rather than robust clinical validation.
In summary, Chinese Licorice is justified primarily by tradition for bronchial support, with some preliminary scientific findings but insufficient comprehensive clinical validation to rate the evidence higher.
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