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

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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, especially in Chinese and Ayurveda medicine, for treating respiratory ailments, including pneumonia. In these traditions, licorice root is valued for its soothing, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often included in herbal formulas to alleviate cough, reduce mucous, and ease throat irritation associated with respiratory infections like pneumonia.

From a scientific perspective, licorice root contains active compounds such as glycyrrhizin and liquiritin, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects in laboratory studies. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that these compounds can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses, reduce lung inflammation, and modulate immune responses. However, direct clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of licorice root in treating or supporting pneumonia in humans is limited. Only a few small clinical studies have explored its effects, and results are often inconclusive or preliminary.

Therefore, while licorice root’s use for pneumonia is well-rooted in traditional practices (especially in Chinese and herbal medicine), robust scientific validation—particularly through large, high-quality clinical trials—is lacking. Caution is also warranted due to potential side effects, such as hypertension and hypokalemia, especially with prolonged use. In summary, licorice root’s use for pneumonia is primarily justified by tradition, with limited scientific evidence supporting its role.

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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
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Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
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Colic (adults)
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Colon (atonic)
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Congestion
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Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
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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
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Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
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Gout
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Hair (loss or thinning)
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Hangover
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Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
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