Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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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 such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and ancient Greek medicine for the prevention and treatment of colds and respiratory ailments. Traditionally, licorice root is believed to soothe sore throats, reduce coughing, and support the immune system. In TCM, it is commonly included in herbal formulations to "harmonize" and enhance the effects of other herbs, as well as to address symptoms associated with colds.

From a scientific standpoint, licorice root contains bioactive compounds like glycyrrhizin, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild antiviral properties in laboratory and animal studies. Some in vitro studies suggest that glycyrrhizin can inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including some that cause respiratory infections. However, clinical studies specifically evaluating the effectiveness of licorice root for the prevention of colds in humans are limited and generally of low quality or inconclusive.

Overall, the use of licorice root for cold prevention is mainly rooted in traditional use, with some preliminary scientific rationale but lacking robust clinical evidence. The evidence rating is therefore moderate for traditional use, but weak for scientific validation. It is also important to note that prolonged or excessive use of licorice root can lead to significant side effects, such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalances, so its use should be approached with caution.

More about licorice root
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain

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
Infection (bacterial)
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