Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Emphysema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it has been used to support respiratory health, including conditions with symptoms similar to emphysema (such as chronic cough, bronchitis, and asthma). The root is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, demulcent (soothing), and expectorant properties, which are thought to help soothe irritated airways and facilitate mucus clearance. In TCM, licorice root is often included in complex formulas prescribed for lung conditions.
Despite this traditional use, scientific evidence supporting licorice root specifically for emphysema is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that licorice and its active constituents (such as glycyrrhizin) may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could theoretically benefit chronic lung conditions. However, there are no well-designed clinical trials demonstrating that licorice root can improve lung function, slow disease progression, or alleviate symptoms in people with emphysema. Most available research focuses on broader respiratory issues or preclinical models.
Overall, while licorice root is traditionally used for respiratory health and may offer some symptomatic relief, its use for emphysema specifically remains based on traditional knowledge rather than robust clinical evidence. Licorice root can also have significant side effects, especially with long-term use, so it should be used with caution and under professional supervision.
Other ingredients used for Emphysema
astragalusbeta caryophyllene
Chinese salvia root
cordyceps
ginger
ginseng
horseradish
licorice root
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
mullein
lobelia
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
punarnava
myrrh
elecampane
morinda
trichosanthes
eucalyptus
aster root
horehound
Arisaema
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Centipeda
Costus
Euphorbia
Fernbush
Theophylline
Other health conditions supported by licorice root
Abdominal PainAbrasions
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
Products containing licorice root
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ADR Formula®
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Metagenics
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DGL Plus®
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Echinacea Synergy
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EpiIntegrity
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Essential Defense®
Pure Encapsulations
G.I. Fortify
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GastroMend-HP™
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GastroMend-HP™
Thorne
GI Relief GI-Encap
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GI Revive®
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GI Revive®
Metagenics
Glutagenics® powder
Integrative Therapeutics
Heartburn Advantage
Pure Encapsulations
Heartburn Essentials
Pure Encapsulations
Heartburn Essentials
Metagenics
Licorice Plus®
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Pylori-Plex
Integrative Therapeutics
Rhizinate
Integrative Therapeutics
Rhizinate-FF
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase Sensitive Stomach
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase Sensitive Stomach
Thorne
Stress Balance Phytisone
Integrative Therapeutics
Super Milk Thistle X
Vitabase
Women's Support