The therapeutic use of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and its extracts dates back to the dawn of time. Scholars of the history of medicine date the first information on its medicinal use to over 4000 years ago.
In traditional medicine, liquorice has been recommended as a prophylactic agent for gastric and duodenal ulcers. Glycyrrhiza roots are useful for treating cough because of its demulcent and expectorant property simultaneously soothing the airways while loosening and thinning mucous, easing congestion.
A cough is a sudden and often repetitively occurring process which helps to clear the large breathing passages from secretions, irritants, foreign particles and microorganisms. When there is a blockage or irritation in the throat or upper air passage, the brain thinks a foreign element is present and tells the body to cough to remove that element.
Liquorice has been shown to work as efficiently as codeine in sore throat. It decreases irritation and produces expectorant effects. Carbenoxolone (a semi synthetic compound derived from Glycyrrhiza) stimulates gastric mucus secretion.
In southern Baluchistan Glycyrrhiza glabra was used as a cough suppressant, throat dryness and as a tonic.
The tea form of liquorice root is recommended for coughs, but syrup is also available. Its sweetness property has resulted in its use around the world in cough syrups and lozenges as well as candies.
Licorice to treat cough
