Traditional medicine with the spread of chemical preparations is becoming more relevant, because everyone knows the phrase that synthetic drugs "one treat and the other cripple." This folk proverb is not without reason reflected reality: for example, serious medications have a negative impact on the body's filters - the liver and kidneys. Therefore, in cases where there is a possibility to avoid the use of chemical medicines, natural medicines come to the aid of a person.
One of the effective remedies for many diseases is the root of licorice. Despite the fact that it is created in pharmaceutical factories, it is based on extracts of licorice root, which are harmless to the body if taken in the amount prescribed in the instructions and have a minimum of contraindications.
Licorice root - useful properties
The properties of licorice root are determined by its composition:
- glycyrrhizic acid - 14%;
- glycyrrhizin 5%;
- flavonoid compounds - 2%;
- polysaccharides;
- coumarins;
- essential oils.
Thus, it can be said that the main value of the composition of the licorice root syrup is due to glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid. The remaining substances have auxiliary effects.
So, the licorice root has the following medicinal properties:
- Expectorant effect. The licorice root is known as a sputum smear, and therefore it is effective for coughing.
- Immunostimulant. Licorice root promotes activation of immunity, due to what it is often taken for colds , even in cases of absence of cough.
- Anti-inflammatory. Licorice root has a weak anti-inflammatory effect, and therefore it should not be taken only for these purposes.
- Antispasmodic. The effectiveness of licorice root from cough is also due to the fact that, on the one hand, this agent dilutes sputum, and allows it to withdraw, and on the other hand, does not provoke a suffocating cough.
- An antiviral agent. In case of a viral infection, the licorice root also helps the body cope with it due to contained flavonoid compounds.
Application of licorice root syrup in medicine
So, given the properties and composition of licorice root, we can say that this remedy is effective for colds.
For example, when infected with a viral infection, taking a licorice root helps avoid coughing as a complication of the disease. However, this does not mean that you can stop taking medication, and put all responsibility on this natural medicine. In combination with other drugs, licorice root helps to effectively fight the disease.
The licorice root can also be taken as a preventive measure in the period of outbreaks of influenza. In its composition there are active substances that stimulate immunity, and therefore the protective functions of the body increase during the intake of syrup.
Among the main indications for the reception of licorice root are the following:
- bronchitis (chronic or acute);
- pneumonia;
- tracheitis;
- asthma;
- gastritis ;
- cough (wet or dry).
How to take licorice root syrup?
Licorice root is remarkable for its taste qualities for the treatment of children: this sweet mixture is liked by many children, and therefore they do not have to be forced to be treated.
Adults should take this syrup to 1 tablespoon. 5 times a day.
Children under 12 years must take 1 tsp. 4 times a day.
Children under 2 years should take no more than 3 tsp syrup. in a day.
The course of treatment with the drug depends on the course of the disease, however, it should not exceed 2 weeks.
Contraindications:
Due to the fact that the root of licorice is a natural medicine, it has a minimum of contraindications. These include an allergic reaction to glucose and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.