Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhiza (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cough (damp)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Glycyrrhiza, commonly known as licorice root, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for treating coughs associated with "dampness." In TCM, "damp cough" refers to a condition characterized by excessive phlegm, a feeling of heaviness, and sometimes a weak voice or fatigue. Glycyrrhiza is commonly included in herbal formulas to "moisten the lungs," resolve phlegm, and soothe the throat. The earliest records of its use for coughs can be traced back to classical Chinese texts, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and the Compendium of Materia Medica, and it remains a standard ingredient in many cough remedies.

While there is some modern pharmacological research indicating that Glycyrrhiza possesses anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and demulcent properties—which could theoretically support its use for cough—the majority of the evidence for its use in "damp cough" is traditional and based on centuries of empirical use rather than rigorous clinical trials. Most modern studies focus on its bioactive compounds (such as glycyrrhizin) and general effects on the respiratory tract, but do not specifically validate its effectiveness for "damp cough" as defined by TCM. Therefore, the justification for its use in this context is predominantly traditional, with moderate supporting evidence from historical and pharmacological perspectives, but limited direct scientific validation for this specific indication.

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