Licorice root is used in inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract (catarrh) affecting the mucous membrane. Thus, the drug is suitable, among other things, for the treatment of associated symptoms such as sore throat, productive cough, cold symptoms, in inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) and throat (pharyngitis), as well as in concomitant bronchitis.
Licorice – application for digestion
In the gastrointestinal tract, licorice root is used for ulcers of the stomach and duodenum (ulcus ventriculi and duodeni, respectively), inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis), and for symptomatic treatment of digestive complaints such as flatulence and bloating.
What else can licorice be used for?
Traditionally, the root has been used to treat heartburn, acid-induced stomach pain, and, combined with other medicines, to help loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.
Because of its intense sweet taste, licorice root is also used as a flavor corrigendum in medicines, foods and stimulants.
Externally, the plant is further said to help with inflammatory skin diseases (dermatitis) and various other skin conditions.
Licorice in folk medicine
In folk medicine, licorice root is also used as an anti-irritant and expectorant, as well as a stomachic. Until the introduction of so-called H2 and proton pump inhibitors, which are now used to treat ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, licorice root was the treatment of choice for these conditions.
Homeopathic use of licorice root.
In homeopathy, the dried licorice root is also used. However, the preparations used in this process have been negatively evaluated by Commission D of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) (negative monogaph).
Ingredients of licorice
Licorice root contains 2-15% triterpene saponins, including the calcium and potassium salts of glycyrrhizic acid. Furthermore, flavonoids, isoflavones, coumarins, phytosterols and about 10% polysaccharides are present with a proportion of 0.65-2%.
Licorice: indication
These are possible indications for licorice root:
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, catarrh.
- Sore throat, cough
- Sinusitis, sinusitis
- Pharyngitis
- Bronchitis
- Gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastritis.
- Digestive problems
- Bloating, flatulence
- Heartburn, stomach pain
- Skin conditions, dermatitis
