Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Croup

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western herbalism, for respiratory ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and hoarseness. Its demulcent (soothing) and anti-inflammatory properties made it a popular remedy for throat and upper respiratory symptoms, which are characteristic of croup (laryngotracheobronchitis). Historically, licorice root teas, syrups, or lozenges were given to ease throat irritation and reduce coughing in children and adults. However, while these traditional uses suggest its role in soothing symptoms similar to those of croup, there is a lack of direct scientific evidence or clinical trials specifically validating licorice root as an effective treatment for croup.

Croup is most commonly caused by viral infection and is treated with supportive care, steroids, and sometimes nebulized epinephrine. Licorice root may offer mild symptomatic relief through its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the throat, but it does not address the underlying viral infection or airway swelling that characterize croup. Additionally, licorice root can have significant side effects, particularly in young children, such as increasing blood pressure and causing electrolyte imbalances, making it a less favorable option in modern clinical practice. Therefore, while licorice root is mentioned in traditional contexts for respiratory support, its use for croup is based primarily on tradition rather than scientific validation.

More about licorice root
More about Croup

Other ingredients used for Croup

garlic bulb
licorice root
Adrenaline

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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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
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Measles
Menopause
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Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
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Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
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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