Licorice with a dry and moist cough: how to brew and take?

Licorice from cough can be used in various forms: as a syrup, broth, infusion. In this case, licorice has its advantages, for example, it practically does not cause side effects. It can be assigned to children, adults. Licorice can be drunk even during pregnancy, and during lactation. This is an absolute testimony in favor of the fact that licorice is a safe and comfortable means.

Does licorice help cough?

This is one of the main questions that phytotherapists, naturopaths, have to hear. It can be no doubt that licorice does manifest a high degree of activity and is very effective in the treatment of throat, nasopharynx, pharynx. This is a proven tool that has been used for a long time.

Previously, it was an alternative remedy that was not recognized by traditional medicine. However, due to its high effectiveness, doctors were later forced to recognize licorice as an official medication that helps in the fight against various types of cough. Today licorice is used as an independent medicinal product, and also is a part of various complex medicines and herbal collections.

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Indications Licorice from a cough

Licorice is used for a strong, rather painful cough. It can be a dry or wet cough. Sometimes it is prescribed even with a cough with an allergic component, which accompanies bronchial asthma and asthmatic bronchitis. Well-proven syrup from licorice root for bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis. Effectively coughs up against a background of infectious diseases accompanied by a cough. As an adjuvant can be used in the treatment of pneumonia, and even pleurisy (facilitates the patient's condition).

Licorice with a dry cough

Syrup from the licorice root is indicated in case if the bronchi are blocked by mucous secretions. Helps liquefy sputum with a dry, non-productive cough., Promotes its spillage. As a result, the cough passes into a damp form (productive), in which the sputum departs, respectively, the inflammatory process decreases, the recovery occurs more quickly.

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Licorice with a damp cough

Wet cough is productive, less painful than dry. With a wet cough, sputum departs, accordingly, its accumulation does not occur, the inflammatory process is quickly removed. If a cough occurs, the person clears throat, sputum is spilled. Such a cough has a positive prognosis, and the transition of dry cough to wet is considered as a positive trend, in which a tendency towards an early recovery is indicated.

Release form

There are various forms of release - syrup (it is used mainly for children), dry grass (licorice roots), which are used for cooking broths and infusions. Also sold licorice root in the composition of various mixtures.

Decoction of licorice from a cough

To prepare the broth you need to take the roots and carefully sort them, pour boiling water. Allow to stand for 1-2 hours. At the same time, cover the dishes tightly, and wrap them in a warm blanket. Or you can use a thermos for this.

Also it is necessary to observe the proportions: about 1-2 tablespoons of roots are filled with a glass of water (boiling water). Drink the broth recommended for 1-5 tablespoons a day, about three times a day. Depends on what the weight of a person, as well as the severity of the inflammatory process.

Extract of licorice from a cough

The extract can be used to treat a cough that accompanies various diseases, including viral and colds. The main action is expectorant, the essence is that the phlegm dissolves and is eliminated from the body.

Also, inflammation is quickly removed, which is achieved due to the high content of phytoncides and glycosides in the extract. As an anti-inflammatory agent, steroid substances are used, which are found in large quantities in the roots of licorice. Also in the roots can be found a large number of essential oils, which have a tonic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.

The extract is taken in small amounts, since it is very concentrated. It is recommended to take 3-4 drops three times a day.

As an additional substance, ethyl alcohol and sugar syrup are used, so gently should be taken to people suffering from diabetes.

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Cough tablets are sweet

Various tablets, lozenges are produced, the active substance of which is licorice. They attract consumers' attention such preparations as licorice-forte. A thoracic elixir found wide application. Also long (since the 1970s), glycyrinate, glycerol are used, which have antiseptic activity, antimicrobial activity.

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Pharmacodynamics

Licorice is a means of plant origin, which includes various phytoncides, alkaloids, organic and inorganic substances, which have both local and systemic effects on the body. Thanks to these substances, licorice has an anti-inflammatory, anti-infective effect. Also licorice helps to remove swelling, resorption of exudate. In some cases, it also has an antifungal effect.

It has the ability to provide systemic effects on the body, stimulating the immune system, local defense system, nonspecific resistance. Substances that are part of the roots of licorice, stimulate the receptors of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which leads to the fact that there are reflex reactions, for example, coughing, sneezing, runny nose. Such reflexes contribute to the removal of excess mucus from the body, sputum, resulting in reduced inflammation.

Some components that are part of the roots of licorice, have healing properties due to the fact that they penetrate into the blood. Then they are transferred to the target organs with blood, are built into the tissue metabolism. The main amount of active substance accumulates in the lung tissue, which prevents the infection from progressing, causing an inflammatory process. The active substances that are part of licorice, can have different effects. They quickly relieve inflammation, reduce the temperature. A significant positive effect can be achieved due to the fact that the roots of licorice normalize the work of internal organs, eliminate toxins.

Many people experience such specific properties as stopping bleeding, removing edema, hyperemia, hypertrophy, which is especially important in the treatment of hypertrophied and inflamed mucous membranes. There are a lot of active substances: some of them act on the alveoli, stimulating gas exchange and the introduction of sputum. Others affect the cough center by removing the cough. However, in some cases, at first glance, the opposite effect may appear. So, many substances that are part of the roots of licorice, cause increased coughing and dilution of sputum. In fact, this contributes to the fact that sputum is quite effectively excreted from the bronchi, and the inflammation gradually decreases.

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Pharmacokinetics

The plant contains a large number of substances of different origin, which provide the main therapeutic effect on the body. All parts of the plant, especially the roots, are rich in a large number of biologically active substances. They include:

• alkaloids;
• glycosides;
• saponins;
• polysaccharides (gums, mucus);
• essential oils;
• organic acids;
• phytoncides;
•  flavonoids.

Of particular interest is the fact that the content of substances in the plant can vary depending on which phase of development the plant is in. Also much depends on the properties of the soil on which the plant grows.

Most of all in the roots of licorice contains alkaloids. These drugs have proven themselves in the treatment of inflammatory and infectious processes. This is due to the fact that they are able to react chemically with acids, form salts, which subsequently dissolve in water, are transported with the help of liquid media. They penetrate through the blood, are absorbed through the mucous membranes, while normalizing their physiological state.

Licorice roots contain a large amount of caffeine, nicotine, ephedrine, morphine. These drugs quickly remove the inflammatory process, penetrate through the skin. Moreover, these substances are a powerful stimulant of various biologically active points, which triggers the main biochemical reactions, including irritating receptors, causing coughing, sneezing. Morphine relieves pain, because it is a powerful anesthetic of natural origin.

Thanks to the content of saponins, it is possible to achieve the main anti-inflammatory and expectorant action. Saponins exert a stimulating effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, and are also characterized by tropism to the lung tissue, which removes the inflammatory process that occurs directly in the respiratory system.

Polysaccharides can be characterized as complex carbohydrates, which are a source of energy. Their advantage lies in the fact that they have antibiotic activity, antiviral, antiallergic, antiexudative, antipruritic action. Many act as antidotes, reducing the degree of intoxication of the body. This is especially true in the treatment of inflammatory processes, since they are often accompanied by an increase in the toxic load on the body. Thus, the destruction of bacterial cells is accompanied by the release of endo- and exotoxins. In addition, inflammatory processes are accompanied by the release of various substances, including mediators of inflammatory processes, which, if over-accumulated, also have a toxic effect.

Essential oils are, first of all, complex mixtures of various volatile substances that dissolve well in alcohol and do not dissolve in water. Essential oils can be used in various forms: as lotions, as a decoction, infusion, for rinsing the throat. Have anti-inflammatory effect, are good antiseptics. Also, there are many additional properties that can be used to treat cough and other diseases of the respiratory system. They are analgesic, soothing, stimulant. These properties can be used for various diseases of the respiratory tract.

Thanks to the use of organic acids, it is possible to stimulate the immune system, increase the resistance and endurance of the body. Organic acids increase the secretion of saliva, dilute sputum, promote its excretion, remove irritation and inflammation of the walls and mucous membranes.

Flavonoids have a positive effect on the condition of the bronchi, alveoli, respiratory tract. They also strengthen the walls of the vessels, eliminate swelling and allergic reactions.

Phytoncides have mainly antimicrobial properties, activate many functions of internal organs, including the respiratory tract.

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Dosing and administration

Syrup of licorice is used in a pure, undiluted form. First, you must thoroughly shake the bottle to raise and put into equilibrium all active components that have settled on the bottom. Then take one measuring spoon 3-4 times a day. If the measuring spoon is not in the package, take 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day.

The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor strictly individually. Typically, the doctor is based on the results of laboratory tests, conducted instrumental studies (if such were conducted). Be sure to carry out a clinical examination before the appointment. Self-medication can be dangerous, because complications, side effects may occur.

How to brew a licorice from a cough?

Licorice is very convenient to use when coughing, as it is suitable for both dry and moist cough. Also, there is no need to worry about what caused the cough - licorice will still have a positive effect. In order to brew a licorice, you will need roots. To do this, take the plant, wash it in warm water. Then spread on a dry cloth, give the opportunity to drain water, dip an absorbent towel. After this, finely chop the roots. You can also rub them on a meat grinder or grater. Then pour about a tablespoon of roots with a glass of boiled water. Licorice from cough can be used as a decoction, tea.

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How to take a licorice when you cough to an adult?

If an adult is concerned about cough, it is best to try licorice in the form of infusion. First, when you insist on licorice in vodka or alcohol, there is a kind of preservation of medicines. At the same time, biologically active substances retain their high activity. Decoction is less effective, because during hot water pouring, or digestion, active substances can be destroyed by high temperatures.

Nevertheless, one can not say that the most effective method of applying licorice is the preparation of infusion. For example, a decoction can be recommended to people suffering from cardiovascular pathologies. Also, the broth is recommended for use by children, pregnant and nursing, since they are prohibited from drinking alcohol. Also, the broth is recommended for those people who do not tolerate alcohol, or people with metabolic disorders.

To prepare the syrup, you must first prepare the syrup, then add licorice as the main active ingredient. To make a syrup, you need to take about a glass of water and a glass of sugar. All this is carefully mixed, put on a slow fire. Cook should be at least 10 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then add about one tablespoon of preliminarily ground licorice roots to the resulting syrup. Also, the syrup can be bought at the pharmacy in the finished form. Drink such a syrup you need about a tablespoon three times a day. But it must be taken into account that the syrup is contraindicated for people suffering from diabetes mellitus, diseases associated with carbohydrate metabolism and its disorders. It should also be understood that this syrup may not be suitable for patients prone to allergic reactions, especially if it is an immediate reaction. It is also not recommended to take syrup for women during pregnancy.

Infusion can be recommended to people who have virtually no side effects. So, if a person has only a cough, and there are no symptoms from the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, the best option is the appointment of licorice in the form of infusion. It will provide additional warming, faster penetrates into the organs and tissues. Also, the infusion has an additional antibacterial effect, stimulates the state of the immune system, spurs the system of nonspecific resistance, normalizes the mucosal and skin conditions.

The broth is also quite effective in the treatment of pregnant women, nursing mothers. It is effective for the elderly, for those who have alcohol. Decoction is advisable to appoint patients with diseases of the stomach, intestines, with a tendency to kidney and liver disorders.

Licorice cough for children

The use of licorice as a therapeutic in the treatment and prevention of cough in children is rational and fully justified. So, licorice has practically no contraindications, does not cause side effects, and also has no toxic properties. It can be used as part of various drugs that have antibacterial, antiviral effects. Also licorice very quickly removes the inflammatory process, stagnation. Licorice very quickly eliminates stagnation, heals dry and wet cough.

Use Licorice from a cough during pregnancy

Licorice has no contraindications to use during pregnancy. But it is necessary to consult a doctor, since it is impossible to predict the individual characteristics and reactions of the organism, especially if it is not even one, but several organisms. Talking about any dosages is not advisable, because any appointments can be done only on the basis of available analyzes, results of additional research, anamnestic data. It is also important to take into account the features of the course of pregnancy, the individual reactions of the mother and fetus.

Contraindications

In its pure form, it is not recommended to take people suffering from diabetes. This is because the syrup is always made on the basis of sugar, or honey, which can not be used in patients with diabetes mellitus. In addition, licorice itself also contains a large amount of sucrose, glucose, which can be dangerous for patients with a violation of carbohydrate metabolism.

Contraindications include bronchial asthma, because in this state the body is in a state of increased reactivity (hypersensitivity), and any, even a potential allergen, can provoke an attack.

It can not be used for violations of the normal functioning of the intestine, in particular, with chronic gastritis and ulcers. This is due to the fact that licorice has an irritating effect on the body, it causes the violation of the intestinal microflora, which in turn, entails a violation of the state of the intestinal mucosa, violates normal peristalsis. With an ulcer, bleeding may open, and gastritis can develop into a peptic ulcer of gastritis, and then into an ulcer.

Contraindicated licorice and with chronic damage to the kidneys and liver, as pathogens can worsen, until the development of severe renal and hepatic insufficiency.

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Side effects Licorice from a cough

Observed extremely rarely, mainly in the case of misuse of the substance. So, the root of licorice can cause a strong allergic reaction, swelling, an attack of suffocation, which can thus progress up to anaphylactic shock. Also, skin rashes, itching, burning, redness, irritation on the skin, reddening of the mucosa may appear, cough may increase, a runny nose may appear.

People with a tendency to arrhythmias, a violation of the normal functioning of the body, may develop attacks of hypertension, or vice versa, hypotension. More often, however, there is an increase in respiration, heart rate. One of the side effects may be a decrease in libido.

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Overdose

Cases of overdose are not common. Basically, if they do, then young children who abuse syrups and candies from coughing. Most often there is a reaction in the form of an allergy, which is manifested by an immediate reaction or by reactions of a delayed type.

The delayed type is accompanied by the formation of a reaction in the form of rash, hives, irritation, itching, redness. As a rule, such a reaction disappears immediately after the drug is discontinued, or after the dosage is reduced. It should also be noted that allergic reactions disappear immediately after the drug is canceled. As a rule, no additional treatment is required.

Also, an overdose can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region. In exceptional cases, dizziness and dizziness occur. Overdose causes either excessive amounts of sugar, or an overdose of biologically active components that make up the roots.

Interactions with other drugs

Cross reactions are not noted. The drug can be combined with other components. It is known that many herbs can enhance the action of the active components of licorice roots. Also, in combination with some herbs, they mutually complement each other, act in synergy. Antagonism is not observed.

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Storage conditions

How to store the syrup is usually written on the factory packaging. If the product is cooked at home, the storage rules are determined by the type of facility.

So, for storage of infusion it is recommended a dark cool place. Infusion should be placed in a glass container. Can be stored in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, or in the basement. Shelf life is unlimited.

The broth is stored for no more than 2 days. Otherwise, it spoils, or loses its activity. Store the broth at room temperature.

Storage of candies - in the refrigerator, so as not to melt.

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Shelf life

Depends on the type of drug. The infusions and lollipops are kept the longest: from several months to several years. Also long enough to store commercial pills, syrups. Shelf life can be up to 2-3 years for unpacked funds. When the package is opened, the shelf life is several months. Decoctions are stored for several days.

Reviews

Licorice from cough is described by most patients as an effective remedy for cough, upper respiratory tract diseases. It facilitates the human condition, promotes the transition of dry cough to wet .. Quickly removes the inflammatory process. It helps children well. After drinking a spoonful of syrup for the night, the child sleeps peacefully all night without waking up from coughing attacks. Children are very fond of lollipops, which they eat more like a treat. When pregnancy is almost the only way to combat coughing.