Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Cough (damp)

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and various folk remedies, for the treatment of coughs—especially those classified as "damp" coughs, which are characterized by phlegm or mucus production. In TCM, licorice root is known as "Gan Cao" and is commonly included in herbal formulas to harmonize the effects of other herbs, moisten the lungs, and relieve cough and phlegm. Licorice is considered to have expectorant, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to help soothe irritated mucous membranes and facilitate the expulsion of mucus.

While there is some scientific literature suggesting that licorice root may possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucolytic effects, the bulk of its use for "damp" cough is grounded in traditional practice rather than rigorous modern clinical evidence. Most contemporary scientific studies focus on licorice's bioactive compounds (such as glycyrrhizin) and their effects on inflammation and immune modulation, but well-designed clinical trials specifically evaluating its efficacy for "damp" cough are limited. Therefore, the evidence for its use in this context is moderate and primarily traditional, with some supportive—but not definitive—scientific data. Caution should be exercised with chronic or high-dose use due to potential adverse effects, such as hypertension and hypokalemia.

More about licorice root
More about Cough (damp)

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
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Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
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Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
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Hernias
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Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
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Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
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Jaundice (adults)
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Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
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Mononucleosis
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Oral Surgery
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Pertussis
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PMS (general)
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Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
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