Licorice Root & Coughs

Anyone who has ever had a cough knows that it can sap your energy very quickly. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used to control a cough and make it more effective in clearing the breathing areas. Licorice root is a natural remedy that has expectorant qualities and can be effective in relieving a cough as well.

Forms

• Licorice root is available in many forms, including a liquid extract, capsules and tablets. Dried powders are made from peeled licorice root as well.

Dosage

• Medline, a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), reports that adults can take 2 to 4 mL of liquid extract or 1 to 4 g of the powdered licorice root daily to calm a cough (see Resources). Children should not use licorice root due to the possibility of side effects.

Drug Interaction

• Speak to your doctor about taking licorice root along with other cold medicines. Licorice root can affect the way other drugs are absorbed by your body, so take licorice at least one hour after all other medications.

Time Frame

• According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), licorice root should only be used as a treatment for coughs on a short-term basis. There have not been enough studies done on long-term effects of using the herb for more than six weeks (see Resources).

Side Effects

• Licorice root can affect your body's hormonal and potassium levels if not carefully watched. Pregnant women should not use this herb to relieve coughing, because it can lead to pre-term labor.