Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, as a remedy for respiratory ailments. In the context of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), licorice root is believed to act as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing agent for the respiratory tract. Traditional herbalists have combined licorice with other botanicals to alleviate cough, sore throat, and bronchial irritation, all of which are symptoms commonly experienced by those with COPD.

Modern scientific studies provide some preliminary support for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of licorice root and its constituents (such as glycyrrhizin and liquiritin). In vitro and animal research has shown that these compounds can reduce airway inflammation and modulate immune responses. However, robust clinical trials specifically assessing licorice root’s effectiveness in COPD patients are lacking. The evidence mainly consists of small pilot studies, animal models, and extrapolations from related respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.

Overall, the use of licorice root in COPD is justified primarily by traditional practices, with limited scientific validation. Caution is advised, as licorice can cause significant side effects (e.g., hypertension, hypokalemia) with prolonged use or high doses, especially in populations with chronic health conditions. Always consult healthcare professionals before using licorice root for COPD management.

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Other health conditions supported by licorice root

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Croup
Cushing's Disease
Cytomealovirus
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Estrogen (low)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibrosis
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
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Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pleurisy
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Sore Throat
Ulcers