With a strong irritating cough, it is recommended to use herbal medicines. For example, licorice root. The instructions for use indicate that it helps not only with inflammatory diseases, but also with various diseases associated with impaired internal metabolism. The drug is dispensed without a prescription, but the patient must take it strictly as prescribed by the doctor so that there are no negative actions.
What is licorice
Licorice belongs to the herbs of the perennial family. In some sources, the name "liquorice" is found. It is useful not only in the field of pharmacology. In the food, cosmetic, technical industries, parts of the plant are also used. In order to make licorice syrup, you need a rhizome. From it, tablets, ointments, creams, decoctions, syrups are prepared.
Pharmacodynamics
Dried licorice root extract has a large number of medicinal effects. This is due to the fact that it contains glycyrrhizin, vitamin C, essential oil and resins, glycyrrhizic acid, and about 23 flavonoids. Thanks to these substances, a quick therapeutic effect is achieved. Licorice root has the ability to provide the following medicinal properties:
1. Relieve inflammation that forms in the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs.
2. Strengthen the immune system, enhancing the activity of cells that form the basis of the internal immune system.
3. Perform an expectorant effect, reducing the viscosity of sputum. After this, the activity of the cilia of the epithelium located in the lower respiratory tract becomes better.
4. Relieve cramping due to severe coughing. The smooth muscles of the bronchi relax, air flow improves.
5. Repair damaged tissues of the respiratory system. Regeneration occurs due to the rapid absorption of the main component from the wall of the trachea and bronchi.
6. Protect from viruses. If the licorice root is prescribed as a prophylactic according to the instructions for use, then after the start of administration, viruses are suppressed, leading to the development of acute respiratory infection.
7. Heal wounds and sores in the oral cavity due to the presence of ascorbic acid.
In addition, licorice root is an excellent antioxidant that relieves the body of free radicals. Recent studies have confirmed that it also has an antitumor effect. All properties are enhanced if inflammatory diseases are treated by steaming licorice root and grass according to the instructions for use.
Endocrinologists often advise their patients to add licorice root as a sweetener. Especially useful medicine for patients with diabetes. At the onset of an infectious disease, the drug not only fights the disease, but also plays the role of an immunomodulator. Glycyrrhizic acid, which is contained in the tincture, helps to cure food poisoning and relieve unpleasant symptoms.
The broth showed itself well in pediatrics. If the child is worried about a strong irritating cough, the doctor prescribes licorice root as part of the complex therapy. In the instructions for use for children, it is recommended to observe the exact dosage and not exceed the recommended frequency of administration. However, do not get involved in this remedy, it has a laxative effect that can cause diarrhea in a child.
It is for this reason that licorice is considered especially effective in dietetics. After using a decoction or extract according to a special scheme, toxins and toxins are removed from the digestive tract. It also helps with excess weight licorice root in tincture. Instructions for use of the syrup do not indicate how to use the medicine for excessive body fat, but there are many reviews of women on the Internet who were able to lose weight while taking the drug.
Dosage Forms
Such a remedy as licorice root is available in various dosage forms. In pharmacies, syrup, extract, tincture, dry shredded grass, tablets, lollipops are sold. All of them basically have the same substance and have a similar therapeutic effect. These drugs help cure various pathologies of the respiratory system and other ailments.
The most popular dosage form is licorice root syrup. It is sold in dark brown glass bottles. An annotation is attached to it, which must be carefully studied before starting a course of treatment. The bottle contains 100 g of a dark liquid with a thick viscous consistency. She has a pleasant sweet taste and a mild smell.
Dried licorice root can be bought at the pharmacy in the form of a crushed substance in a cardboard box. Sometimes in such packs are portioned bags. They are much more convenient because they are easier to brew. In addition, patients with diabetes can use them instead of regular tea. The tablets have a greenish-brown color, they are sold in cardboard boxes with blisters of 10-30 pieces.
Structure
The basis for all herbal remedies is a dry extract of licorice root. In addition to this substance, tablets contain lactose monohydrate and talc. The composition of licorice syrup includes:
- glycerol;
- potassium sorbate;
- purified water;
- citric acid monohydrate;
- sodium benzoate;
- ethanol.
When licorice root is prescribed according to the instructions for use, it is necessary to study not only the main active substance, but also additional components that also affect the therapeutic effect. In addition, the patient may experience intolerance to any of the ingredients.
Indications
The use of licorice root is most often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment. Medicines made on the basis of this component are indicated for the following diseases:
- gastritis;
- infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract - laryngitis, pharyngitis;
- annoying cough;
- sore throat;
- gastric ulcer;
- rheumatism;
- diseases of the urinary system - cystitis or pyelonephritis.
After the operation, they can prescribe licorice root so that the bronchi quickly clear of accumulated secretion. If a licorice root for cough is prescribed, the instructions for use indicate how many times you need to take the medicine so that the sputum begins to spit up. After the patient uses the drug several times, the mucous membrane softens due to increased sputum synthesis.
In diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system, the drug has an enveloping effect, preventing the development of inflammation. Digestion quickly normalizes, heartburn passes.
Contraindications
It is especially necessary to carefully study the section where it is indicated about when it is impossible to take drugs based on licorice root. The instructions for use list the diseases in which the drug is contraindicated. Among these conditions are:
- inflammation of the gastric mucosa;
- chronic peptic ulcer disease at the stage of exacerbation;
- allergic to any ingredient in the medicine.
If there are no contraindications for licorice root, then you can begin the course of treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
In rare cases, when the doses indicated in the annotation are not respected, unpleasant symptoms may appear. Signs that should immediately stop using the drug include:
- skin burning;
- rash;
- nausea;
- headache.
When these symptoms appear, use of licorice root should be interrupted, drink plenty of water. If the negative manifestations have not ceased to bother, then you need to call an ambulance.
Dosage and administration
As another medicine, licorice in any form should be used carefully, having read all the recommendations beforehand and consulting with the doctor. Syrup is usually consumed 3 times a day for one dessert spoon, but the dosage and frequency of administration depend on its composition and manufacturer (you need to read the instructions). Children 6-12 years of age are prescribed a smaller portion. Enough 1 teaspoon or measuring cap with a volume of 2.5 ml. Licorice root in syrup is rarely prescribed for babies up to 6 years old, because it contains a small amount of ethyl alcohol.
Dry grass (10-15 g) is poured 200 g of boiling water before use and infused for 20 minutes. The finished infusion is divided into 3 parts, to each add water to a glass. Drink this medicine for adults and adolescents from 12 years old should be 3 times a day. From 6 years it is prescribed to take 0.5 cups daily. Babies from 1 to 6 years old are prescribed 1-2 teaspoons 2-3 times a day, depending on the instructions of the pediatrician. If you follow these instructions, giving licorice root according to the instructions for use for children, you will leave the most positive reviews about the remedy.
If after administration within 7-10 days the required effect is not achieved, the initial dosage increases by 1.5-2 times. After 2-3 days, the patient's condition is re-evaluated and a decision is made to continue therapy using licorice root or to discontinue treatment. In this case, it is recommended to choose a suitable analogue having a similar effect.
Prescribing during pregnancy and breastfeeding
In rare situations, when other cough medicines are contraindicated for the patient during the period of feeding and bearing the child, the doctor prescribes licorice root syrup. The dosage is halved due to ethyl alcohol. Tablets, lozenges, lozenges and decoction can be consumed fearlessly according to the annotation of the drug 3-4 times a day. But the extract and tincture to use for treatment is strictly prohibited.
Analogs
Usually, there are no side effects after eating licorice root according to the instructions for use, but there are different reviews about taking this remedy. If the drug does not fit, then one of the analogues is prescribed. This list includes:
- marshmallow rhizome;
- chamomile;
- primrose root;
- sage;
- plantain;
- linden flowers;
- black elderberry;
- thyme.
Reviews
Numerous responses posted on the Internet describe the miraculous properties of licorice root. Both the instructions for use and the reviews suggest that for a positive effect, you must strictly follow the dose prescribed by the doctor, then there will be no negative consequences.
This applies not only to the use of a healing agent for the treatment of respiratory organs. If you want to lose weight, then apply licorice root in syrup. Instructions for use and reviews should then be read especially carefully. It is necessary to adhere to the recommendations given by people who have achieved tangible results. You do not need to start such procedures without consulting a doctor, otherwise you will have to face unpleasant symptoms.