How many drops of licorice syrup are in a teaspoon? Licorice root for children: indications and application features

The medicinal plant licorice is used by traditional healers and is recognized official medicine. Most often it is prescribed in the form of syrup and teas, infusions and decoctions, lozenges and cough lozenges. Positioned as effective remedy for diseases respiratory tract. But licorice root doesn’t just help with colds. It has a lot of useful properties. And it is used quite widely in pediatrics. But there are also contraindications. How to properly use this medicinal herb to treat children?

Licorice: spice and medicine

Licorice and licorice are two names for the same plant. Who hasn't enjoyed sweet licorice sticks? And there are few people who did not drink delicious aromatic licorice root syrup as a child for cough.

Sweet licorice sticks and licorice root cough syrup come from the same plant: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Both delicacy and medicine are prepared from herbaceous plant Glycyrrhiza glabra (Glycyrrhiza naked) of the Legume family. Liquorice grows mainly on the banks Mediterranean Sea, V Central Asia, Kazakhstan, the Caucasus. It grows along paths and roads, forming lush green thickets.

Licorice reproduces vegetatively, therefore forming lush thickets

Its leaves are sticky. The flowers are white or purple (collected in clusters), the fruits are beans. With its thick branching root, licorice grows 3–4 meters (and sometimes 5 m) into the ground. It is mainly used in medicine. Cooks have also found use for the above-ground parts of the herb: extracts and powders are obtained from them.

Licorice as a medicinal plant has been known for several millennia. This is evidenced by references to it in the ancient papyri of the Egyptians and the herbal books of Chinese healers. It began to be used as a spice and delicacy in the 18th century.

Licorice flowers are collected in clusters and can be white or purple

Useful composition

WITH medical point From a perspective, the interesting thing about licorice is its root. Powerful, meaty, with big amount processes, it is it that contains those healing substances that help in healing from a number of diseases.

Liquorice rhizome is rich in:

vitamins (C, B) and polysaccharides - sucrose and fructose, maltose and glucose;
pectin and starch (34%), carbohydrates and cellulose (30%), tannins and saponins;
organic acids - succinic, malic and tartaric, fumaric and citric;
phenolcarboxylic acids and essential oils, steroids, alkaloids and triterpenoids;
flavonoids - kaempferol and isoliquiritin, apigenin and quercetin, liquiritoside and liquiritin;
ketones and aldehydes, nitrogen-containing compounds and coumarins - umbelliferone and herniarin.

This is interesting! Licorice root ranks tenth in terms of frequency of use and popularity among medicinal herbs in the world. It contains the substance glycyrrhizin (up to 23% of the composition), which sweeter than sugar 50 times. Hence the name of the plant and its sweet taste.

Glycyrrhizic acid acts on viruses in a similar way to hormones produced by the adrenal cortex (cortisone). It is thanks to its presence in the composition that licorice root has valuable medicinal properties.

Video: benefits of licorice (licorice)

Healing properties and indications

Licorice root is often used as an expectorant and emollient as part of complex treatment. bronchopulmonary diseases viral etiology. But this is only one of the options for using licorice.

It may be useful:

to strengthen the immune system and fight infection;
for inflammatory processes and allergies;
for healing wounds and abrasions, cuts and cracks in the skin;
with impaired metabolism;
to reduce cholesterol levels and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
in case of intoxication and poisoning;
to strengthen nervous system and activation of mental activity.

Licorice root is often used in medicine.

Both doctors and traditional healers recognize the effectiveness of licorice if it is used not only for treatment, but also as prophylactic at:

bronchitis, tracheitis and laryngitis;
elevated body temperature and headaches (as an antipyretic and analgesic);
asthma, pneumonia and tuberculosis;
diseases associated with the thyroid and pancreas;
pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
ulcers and gastritis (with low acidity);
constipation and colitis;
diabetes mellitus and oncology;
rheumatism, gout and other joint diseases;
inflammatory processes in the bladder;
pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
chronic fatigue and weaknesses;
depression and sleep disorders;
damage to the epidermis and soft tissues;
skin diseases ( allergic rash, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, lupus erythematosus).

Liquorice root has immunostimulating and regenerating, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (painkiller) and expectorant properties.

Licorice promotes the secretion, liquefaction and removal of mucus from the bronchi

Mechanism of action for dry cough

What is a cough? This is the body’s response to the presence of an irritant in the respiratory tract - sputum. Often, the mucous substance that accumulates in the bronchi, for example, during a cold, is very viscous. And it’s not so easy to get rid of it or cough it up. In order for the mucus to be well separated from the walls of the tracheobronchial tree and expectorated, it must be liquefied.

The cough should not be dry, but productive (expectorant). Licorice helps increase the production and stimulate the removal of mucus from the bronchi. This means that the pathogenic microflora that multiplies in them will be removed from the respiratory tract with this mucus, which will alleviate the symptoms of the disease and speed up recovery.

The adaptogen contained in licorice has a supportive effect on hormonal background, increases cell endurance and resistance to oxygen deficiency. Saponins are important for the epithelium of the respiratory tract - they stimulate its secretory function. And bioflavonoids relieve respiratory spasms well, and coughing attacks become less debilitating.

Liquorice can enhance the effect of certain medications, so it is prescribed as part of complex therapy for bronchopulmonary diseases.

Licorice for children: can it be given to babies under one year old?

Preparations based on or containing licorice root are available in pharmacies without a prescription. But this does not mean that you can take them at your own discretion. Based on the fact that licorice contains essential oils, as well as substances that affect the activity of the adrenal cortex, we can say that side effects from treatment with this plant may well occur.

Any medicine, be it a drug chemical origin or natural, should be prescribed to the child by a doctor, taking into account the examinations and tests performed, and the characteristics of the course of the disease. Self-medication can harm your baby's health.

After one year of age, children are first tested for allergies. Only in the absence individual intolerance begin treatment with licorice preparations. Medicines containing licorice should not be given to children under one year of age due to high probability their development allergic reactions.

How to test for individual intolerance

Apply a little medicine with licorice on the child’s skin in the elbow area. If within an hour there are no changes in the areas of application (itching, rash, swelling, redness), add a few drops to the baby’s drink.

To check if your baby is allergic to licorice, apply a large number of drug containing it, on sensitive skin in the area of the elbow bend

Monitor your reaction over the next few hours. If no manifestations of allergies occur, you can start giving the child the drug in the dosage recommended by the doctor.

For any atypical reactions after starting to take licorice root medications (diarrhea, vomiting, rash, itching, etc.), immediately contact your local pediatrician or call an ambulance at home.

It is important! Medicines containing licorice root cannot be taken together with antitussives and must be washed down sufficient quantity water (depending on the age of the small patient).

Contraindications: in what cases can licorice cause harm?

Consumption of licorice root can cause loss of potassium in the body, swelling and increased blood pressure, tension and overexcitation of the nervous system. At arterial hypertension and violation of water-salt balance, it is contraindicated.
If you have heart, kidney or liver failure, cirrhosis, irritable bowel disease, myocarditis or pericarditis, licorice should also not be taken.
Licorice root preparations are incompatible with oral corticosteroids, medications containing hormones, diuretics, and medications for hypertension.

Video: the harm that licorice can cause - E. Malysheva

Can boys drink?

In therapeutic doses and in short courses, licorice is allowed for boys. Strictly follow your doctor's recommendations regarding dosage and dosage regimen, and you will avoid side effects of drugs containing licorice root.

Licorice has no negative effect on potency at all; moreover, it is even used in the complex treatment of impotence in men. (Candles with oil extract pumpkin seeds and licorice root "Vitol")... Avicenna noted that licorice root juice increases potency.

Janet Fraser, physician

http://medcanal.ru/topic42271.html

How to take medications containing licorice root correctly and for what diseases?

Licorice root is available in different dosage forms. Children are most often prescribed a single-component syrup or a mixture (combined to enhance the effect). In pharmacies you can also buy elixirs and cough mixtures, capsules, tablets or lozenges, dry crushed raw materials of licorice root or dry mixtures (herbal mixtures) containing it.

Your child’s doctor will tell you which form is best to take licorice. It all depends on the diagnosis, the age of the child, and also on what the prescription is aimed at: treatment (as part of complex therapy) or prevention.

Table: dosage forms of licorice root preparations

Dosage form	Drug (name)	Characteristics
Licorice root syrup	Licorice root syrup	Refers to
		To expectorants with anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid-like) effects
		Consists of
		From licorice root extract, ethyl alcohol 96%, sugar syrup plus excipients
		Applicable
		For the treatment of cough (in combination with other drugs) and prevention colds, with ulcers and gastritis, hypofunction of the adrenal cortex, Addison's disease, etc.
		Allowed
		Children from 1 year
		Not applicable
		For pathologies of the liver and kidneys, allergies, heart failure, etc.
Combined syrup with licorice root content		Refers to
		To expectorants
		Consists of
		From dry extracts of licorice and aloe (roots), ginger and basil, elecampane, etc.
		Applicable
		In the treatment of cough with difficult to separate sputum (as part of complex therapy), pharyngitis and laryngitis, bronchitis and tracheitis, etc.
		Allowed
		From 3 years
		Not applicable
		At hypersensitivity to the components of the drug
	Codelac Phyto syrup	Refers to
		To drugs with antitussive, expectorant effects, stimulates the secretion of mucus from the respiratory tract, reduces cough
		Consists of
		From codeine phosphate (reduces the excitability of the cough center), licorice root extracts, as well as thermopsis and thyme, plus additional substances
		Applicable
		For symptomatic therapy dry cough due to respiratory diseases
		Allowed
		From 2 years
		Not applicable
		At respiratory failure, individual intolerance to the components included in the drug
		Refers to
		For expectorants - a combination drug
		Consists of
		From liquid extract thermopsis and thick licorice extract plus auxiliary components
		Applicable
		As part of complex therapy for the treatment of cough with difficult to separate sputum due to tracheitis and bronchitis, etc.
		Allowed
		From 3 years
		Not applicable
		For liver pathologies, ulcers, allergies, brain diseases, etc.
Elixir with licorice root	Breast Elixir	Refers to
		To expectorants
		Consists of
		From licorice root extract and anise oil plus ammonia
		Applicable
		For diseases of the respiratory tract with the formation of difficult-to-discharge secretions, as part of complex therapy for tracheobronchitis and bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, etc.
		Allowed
		From 3 years
		Not applicable
		In case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug
Dry mixture with licorice root	Cough mixture for children (powder for solution, taken orally)	Refers to
		To expectorants
		Consists of
		From licorice root extract and marshmallow medicinal extract, anise oil and ammonium chloride plus sodium bicarbonate and benzoate
		Applicable
		For cough, difficult sputum discharge: tracheitis and bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, etc., as part of complex therapy
		Allowed
		From 1 year
		Not applicable
		At acute pyelonephritis And acute glomerulonephritis, as well as in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug
Glycyrrhizic acid preparation		Refers to
		Anti-inflammatory, promotes mucus discharge, stimulates the function of the adrenal cortex, provides a laxative and antispasmodic effect
		Consists of
		From glycyram, licorice root and excipients
		Applicable
		At arterial hypotension, allergic dermatitis and eczema, asthenic conditions, Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency, etc.
		Allowed
		From 5 months
		Not applicable
		At severe pathologies heart, liver or renal failure, in case of individual intolerance to ammonium glycyrrhizinate or other components of the drug
Capsules		Refers to
		Dietary supplement
		Consists of
		Licorice root, concentrate
		Applicable
		Complex therapy, as a dietary supplement for chronic fatigue syndrome and loss of strength, gastritis and ulcers, diseases of the bronchi and lungs, hepatitis and diabetes, low blood pressure, rheumatic joint pain, etc.
		Allowed
		From 12 years old
		Not applicable
		Hypertension and liver failure, allergies and potassium deficiency, disorders water-salt metabolism and etc.
Pills		Relate
		To herbal medicines wide range actions
		Consist
		From dry licorice root powder
		Apply
		For inflammatory processes in the respiratory system and allergies, gastritis and ulcers, constipation and metabolic disorders, weakened immunity, etc.
		Allowed
		From 12 years old
		Not applicable
		For individual intolerance, pathologies of the digestive system, etc.
Pastilles	Doctor Mom - herbal cough lozenges	Relate
		To herbal medicines with expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects
		Consist
		From licorice extract plus ginger and emblica officinalis extracts
		Apply
		For pharyngitis and laryngitis, tracheitis and bronchitis, pneumonia, etc., for symptomatic treatment of colds with dry cough
		Allowed
		From 12 years old
		Not applicable
		In case of individual sensitivity to the components of the drug, etc.
	Licorice roots (packs of 50 g, 100 g)/ Licorice roots (1.5 g filter bags)	Relate
		To remedies used for coughs and colds
		Consist
		From dry crushed raw materials of licorice roots
		Apply
		For pneumonia and bronchitis, bronchial asthma and chronic fatigue, ulcers and gastritis, cystitis and pyelonephritis, etc., as part of complex therapy
		Allowed
		From 1 year
		Not applicable
		In case of hypersensitivity to biological active components and etc.

Photo gallery: licorice root - release forms

Licorice syrup contains alcohol and is therefore contraindicated for infants.
Codelac - can be given to children from two years old Licorice ( chewable tablets) - in this dosage form only from 12 years of age
Doctor Mom syrup - recommended for children with three years
Licorice root (50 capsules) - licorice in this dosage form is allowed for children from 12 years old Glycyrs - allowed to be given to children from 5 months Thermopsis syrup with licorice - for children from three years old Herbal lozenges Doctor Mom - come in different flavors Dry cough syrup for children - allowed children from one year old
Breast elixir syrup - for children from three years old

How to take licorice for children

It would not be out of place to repeat here: children can take licorice root preparations only after consulting a doctor. Depending on the disease and the characteristics of its course, the pediatrician prescribes treatment. The dosage and duration of taking licorice also depend on the age of the child.

The drinking regime during treatment with licorice has great importance, especially if the child suffers from a dry, irritating cough or digestive disorders. You will get the effect of using licorice root preparations only if the baby drinks enough liquid (to thin the mucus and maintain the water-salt balance in the body).

Table: licorice root syrup - dosages and dosage regimen for children of different ages

Child's age/years	Licorice root syrup	How to use
0–1	-	Take no more than 5 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is from a week to 10 days. Give licorice root syrup to children very carefully, remembering that it contains 96% ethyl alcohol. Dilute the syrup with water. You can calculate the dosage based on the formula: 1 drop of syrup for 1 year of a small patient’s life.
1–3	2 drops per 1 dessert spoon of boiled water
3–6	½ teaspoon, dissolve in a quarter glass of water
6–12	½-1 teaspoon, dissolve in a quarter glass of water
12–14	1 teaspoon each, dissolve in a quarter glass of boiled water
14 and older	1 dessert spoon, dissolved in half a glass of boiled water

Dried licorice root, crushed

Licorice roots are dried in the sun or in a dryer (t 50–60 °C). The resulting pieces are 30–35 cm long. The inside of the roots is light yellow and fibrous, the outside is grayish-yellow. Sickly sweet in taste.

They are crushed or ground into powder and packaged. Dry crushed licorice raw materials are sold in pharmacies and used in medicine. And licorice powder ends up on supermarket shelves as a spice.

Dry licorice root decoction

A decoction of licorice root helps with dry coughs as an expectorant, and when productive, it promotes the secretion of sputum and the rapid removal of pathogenic microorganisms from the body. There are other indications, prescribed by a doctor.

This is what dry crushed licorice root looks like

The decoction has high concentration active substances. You can store it in the refrigerator for 2 days.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Pour crushed licorice root into an enamel bowl and pour boiling water over it.
Cover and place in a water bath.
Simmer for 30 minutes, then let cool for 10 minutes.
We filter the broth and squeeze the raw materials into it.
Using boiled water, bring the volume of the resulting liquid to 200 ml.

Crushed licorice root is packaged in packs of 100 g and 50 g for ease of use.

Infusion

Less concentrated, it cannot be stored - you need to prepare a new portion every day.

Ingredients:

dry raw materials - 1 tablespoon or 8.4 g;
purified water (boiling water) - 1 glass or 200 ml;

Preparation:

Pour hot boiled water over the licorice.
Wrap the container with the product in a towel (you can use a thermos) and let it brew for an hour.
We filter and squeeze out the raw materials.
Bring the volume of liquid to 200 ml with warm boiled water

This infusion is usually taken:

children under 12 years old - 1–2 tsp. 2-3 times a day half an hour before meals;
children over 12 years old and adults - 1–2 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day half an hour before meals.

Licorice tea to boost immunity

If we consider decoction, infusion and tea, then the latter is the least concentrated. Therefore, depending on the diagnosis, it may be prescribed in large dosages. Most often it is drunk to strengthen the immune system.

You can add mint, vanilla, cinnamon and other aromatic spices to licorice tea and medicinal herbs

Licorice tea does not need to be sweetened (due to the presence of sweet glycyrrhizin in the composition), but mint, lemon balm, lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla can be added to it for a variety of flavors.

To brew licorice tea, both loose dry raw materials and filter bags are used.

1 option

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Pour licorice into the teapot (plus spices if desired) and pour boiling water over it.
Leave for 7–15 minutes (depending on your preferred strength).
Pour 2/3 of the tea leaves into the cups. Add the rest of the volume with boiled water.

Children can drink licorice tea 1 cup no more than 2 times a week.

Option 2

Ingredients:

filter bags with licorice - 3 pcs. 1.5 g each;
Boiled purified water.

Preparation

Fill the filter bags with boiling water.
Cover the bowl with tea and leave for 15–20 minutes.
We remove the filter bags and squeeze them out.
We do not sweeten the tea; it itself has a sweetish taste.

The amount of licorice tea drunk per day and the duration of its use by the child are determined by the doctor individually.

Licorice root is often used to create healing tea mixtures (blends). They can be found on the shelves of pharmacies and supermarkets. The beneficial properties of licorice are successfully complemented by linden, ginger, mint, anise, etc.

Important! As a precaution, pediatricians advise that you always have available antihistamines. This way you can provide first aid to your baby if he suddenly has an allergic reaction to foods or medications.

Folk recipes

Many recipes traditional medicine They are also used by certified doctors in their practice. Therefore, in each specific case, be sure to consult with your local pediatrician about what medicinal herbs you can use to quickly heal your child. Only a doctor can recommend truly proven and safe methods treatment.

Tea for colds (licorice, mint, lemon balm, centaury)

Dry licorice roots (3 tsp or 25 g), dry mint, lemon balm and centaury 1 tsp each. (4.6–5 g) mix in a separate bowl.
Brew 1 teaspoon (4.6 g) with 200 ml of boiling water (1 glass) and leave in a warm place for 10–15 minutes.
Strain and squeeze.

Give the child ¼ glass after meals. Duration of use: 7–10 days.

Centaury in decoctions and infusions with licorice enhances the anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens the immune system, and restores strength

Cough infusion (licorice, elecampane, marshmallow)

Take 15 g (3 tsp) of crushed licorice, elecampane, and marshmallow roots.
Pour into a glass container.
Pour 400 ml (2 cups) of chilled boiled water.
Leave in a dark place for 7–8 hours.

Give your child ¼ glass 2 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is no more than 10 days.

Decoction for pneumonia and bronchitis (licorice, marshmallow, fennel, coltsfoot)

Prepare the collection: licorice roots (25 g or 3 tbsp), marshmallow roots (40 g or 5 tbsp), dry coltsfoot grass (20 g or 2.5 tbsp), fruits fennel (15 g or 2 tbsp.). The raw materials must be well crushed and mixed.
Take 20 g (4 tsp) of the collection and pour 2 cups (400 ml) of boiling water into an enamel bowl.
Cover the dishes and simmer the broth in a water bath for 15 minutes.
Cool, filter, squeeze out the raw materials.
Store the broth in the refrigerator for 2 days.
We give the child ¼ glass 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Using the same principle, you can prepare a decoction from licorice roots, plantain leaves, coltsfoot herbs and violets, only for collection, take the raw materials in equal parts.

General strengthening decoction (licorice, onion peel, pine needles)

Preparing the collection: 1 tbsp. l. crushed onion peel(this is approximately 8–9 g), 1 tsp. (4.6–5 g) ground licorice root, 50 g needles (spruce or pine).
Pour the mixture of herbs into 2 liters of boiling water.
Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
Add rose hips, cleared of seeds, to the broth - 1 tbsp. l. (8.4–9 g).
1-2 minutes later, remove the prepared broth from the heat and pour into a thermos.
We insist 12 hours.
We strain, squeeze out the raw materials, put on the fire, bring to a boil and remove from the heat.

Give the child a quarter glass before meals for 10 days.

Infusion for constipation (licorice, anise, fennel, buckthorn)

We prepare the collection in the following proportions: licorice roots - 20 g (4 tsp), fennel fruits - 10 g (2 tsp), anise - 10 g (2 tsp), buckthorn bark - 60 g ( 8 tbsp).
Take 25 g of this collection (3 tbsp) and fill it with 0.5 liters of boiling water.
Wrap up and leave for 30 minutes.

The infusion helps improve digestion and normalize stool. Give your child ¼ glass 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. You can take it for no more than 10 days.

Licorice root juice for gastritis

We extract juice from fresh licorice root. To do this, we clean it, grate it on a fine grater, and squeeze the pulp through a fine sieve.
You need very little juice. Just 10 drops (0.5 ml).
Dissolve licorice juice in 100 ml (0.5 cups) of hot boiled water.

Give the child 25 ml (1 tbsp) 4 times a day before meals. The course of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

The easiest way to buy powdered licorice is in the spice section of the supermarket. But you can use it both as a seasoning for dishes and as a medicine.

Licorice powder is also called dry extract. And he looks like this

Licorice Powder:

normalizes digestion if a pinch of it is mixed with a teaspoon of honey and given to the child before meals;
treats cough if you grind a teaspoon of it with a teaspoon vegetable oil, with a teaspoon of honey and one potato, boiled in their jackets, form a flat cake and place on the baby’s chest for 30 minutes;
disinfects and promotes healing of wounds, cracks, cuts, if it is mixed 1:1 with baby cream and applied to the problem area of the skin.

If you dilute licorice powder with water and shake the solution well, a large amount of foam will form. This property of licorice was used by including it in fillers for fire extinguishers.

Licorice or licorice has been known since ancient times for its beneficial medicinal properties, which help with coughs and respiratory tract diseases. The plant is actively used to treat influenza and ARVI, dry bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and even stomach ulcers. Healing decoction works effectively with chronic constipation, water and mineral metabolism in organism. Wherein herbal preparation safe and therefore suitable for children. Let's find out in more detail whether children can use licorice root for cough. Let's look at how to properly prepare and take licorice remedy.

Action and beneficial properties of licorice

Due to the safety of the components and properties, licorice root syrup can be given without fear infants. The medicine extremely rarely causes side effects and does not have a negative effect on any organs in the child’s body. Licorice contains useful acids and elements. And due to the content of sugar, fructose and glucose, it has a pleasant sweetish taste, so every baby will like it.

Licorice root performs the following beneficial functions:

Has an antiviral, enveloping and expectorant effect;
Facilitates expectoration;
Relieves inflammation of the throat and coughing attacks;
Reduces fever and temperature;
Liquefies and removes mucus from the bronchi and lungs;
Cleanses the body, removes excess bile and fluid;
It has diuretic properties and is useful for bladder diseases;
Heals the respiratory tract and wounds that appear due to severe cough;
Increases immunity and restores strength, helps the child cope with ARVI, acute respiratory infections and influenza;
Helps with constipation and has a laxative effect;
Strengthens blood vessels;
Relieves spasms from the bronchi;
Improves the functioning of the adrenal glands and helps with kidney pathologies;
Lowers blood cholesterol levels;
Helps with acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial asthma, laryngitis and pharyngitis, whooping cough and other similar diseases;
Accelerates the treatment of the stomach and digestion, helps with gastritis and ulcers;
Effectively complements treatment for allergies, eczema and dermatitis. Heals and soothes skin covering, heals wounds and relieves irritation.

Licorice will not only help eliminate severe dry or moist cough, but will also speed up the treatment of diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, eliminate problems with the stomach and intestines. The composition can not only be drunk, but also rubbed with a solution chest and back, wipe problem areas of the skin.

How to take licorice syrup for babies

Before first use, place a drop of product on the area of skin between your nose and upper lip baby, lightly rub into the skin. If after 1-2 hours negative reaction does not appear, the drug can be given to children. If you notice allergy symptoms, do not continue taking it and consult a doctor! In the absence of an allergic reaction to the plant, the drug can be given to newborns from the first days of life. But it is important to follow the dosage and rules of administration. Instructions for use will help you do it correctly:

The licorice root preparation is given 3-4 times a day after meals;
For newborns and babies up to one year old, the drug is not recommended to be taken orally. You need to do a rubbing massage of the back and chest using syrup;
For children 1-3 years old, the oral dosage is 2.5 medications per dose;
A 4-6 year old child takes 2.5-5 ml per dose;
A child 7-9 years old can drink 5-7.5 ml;
Children aged 10-12 years take 7.5-10 ml at a time;
After 12 years, the dosage increases to 15 ml.

However, before using even this safe means It is important to consult with your pediatrician and carefully study the composition and instructions for use of the drug. Be careful as some pharmaceutical solutions contain ethyl alcohol. Such medications should not be taken by children under five years of age!

The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor depending on the degree and type of disease, individual characteristics baby. But the course of treatment should not last more than ten days. Syrup or tincture is diluted with warm boiled water. As a rule, the number of drops of the product is equal to the number full years child.

The drug should not be used in children with bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus!

Among side effect after using licorice syrup, a rash is observed, itchy skin and swelling, nausea and diarrhea. In this case, immediately stop taking the drug and consult a specialist! However negative effect observed extremely rarely. Licorice root can be purchased at finished form at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself.

How to make licorice root syrup for children

Most suitable form for children is a decoction. It has a weaker healing and body-friendly effect. To prepare the solution, take a tablespoon of dry root, pour a glass of boiling water and cover with a lid. Keep in a water bath for half an hour and then infuse the decoction for two hours. After this, strain and squeeze out the composition. You can collect and dry licorice yourself or buy dry root at the pharmacy.

Give the prepared mixture to your child a teaspoon two to three times a day. This decoction heals the throat and relieves coughs, improves immunity and improves digestion, and weakens the stomach. Other healthy recipes for constipation in infants you will find.

A tincture or syrup can be prepared by frying two teaspoons medicinal plant. Then the resulting composition is poured with two glasses of boiling water and left for about eight hours. The tincture for children is diluted in water in a proportion of 2-5 ml per glass of water and drunk two to three times a day. The tincture is stored in a cool and dark place for up to two weeks.

Causes of cough in infants

In most cases, cough in infants is a symptom of a cold, acute respiratory viral infection or acute respiratory infection. The intensity of the cough gradually increases, and the throat becomes inflamed and red, pain, dryness, soreness, and sometimes a burning sensation are felt in the respiratory tract. The cause of the cough may be inflammation of the middle ear or otitis media. In this case, the baby will also experience ear pain.

In addition, a cough may occur due to allergies or too dry air. With this problem, you will experience a severe cough without elevated temperature. It is important to ensure comfortable conditions and microclimate in the children's room, maintain the required humidity in the room.

In case of allergies, the source must be identified and eliminated. It is important to keep the children's room clean, regularly wash clothes and change bed linen, prevent the child from interacting with animals, and constantly humidify the air. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe the use of antiallergic children's medications.

Why cough is dangerous for a child: complications and treatment

In any case, the cough should be treated with early cases. A protracted process is very dangerous for the child and carries various complications. So, the cough develops into a chronic one and becomes a symptom of the following diseases:

Bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
Otitis;
Laryngite;
Pharyngitis;
Tracheitis;
Whooping cough;
Measles;
Pleurisy.

wonderful folk remedy when coughing there is potato. You can use special inhalations over boiled potatoes, which will greatly facilitate the process of coughing, soften your throat and speed up recovery. Potato compresses work effectively. To do this, boil the potatoes in their jackets and mash with a fork until they reach a mushy consistency. Add three drops of iodine and 20 grams sunflower oil. Apply the mixture to your chest, cover with foil and a towel, and leave the compress until it cools.

During periods of illness and severe cough, provide your child with regular and drinking plenty of fluids. Give natural vegetables and compotes, decoctions, tea with lemon and jam, milk with honey or butter. Warm socks and a jacket or vest made of natural dog, sheep or camel hair will help. Warming relieves coughs, reduces sore throats and speeds up recovery. And drinking too much removes harmful substances from the body and softens the respiratory tract.

Colds in childhood often accompanied by a dry, painful cough. Get rid of obsessive symptom help medications. But among the arguments in favor of a particular drug for parents, the most important is its safety. Licorice root syrup meets all the selection criteria: affordable, effective and safe.

The raw material for the production of syrup is licorice root, otherwise known as licorice, or licorice. The composition is unique in its content of biologically active substances:

organic acids (succinic, malic, tartaric, citric, fumaric);
essential oils;
steroids;
bioflavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, apigenin);
alkaloids;
carbohydrates (fructose, sucrose, maltose, glucose);
fatty acid;
tannins, resins;
coumarins;
glycyrrhizic, ferulic and salicylic acids.

Effect of syrup

The exceptional effect of the syrup is explained by its universal action. It eliminates not only the symptom (cough), but also affects the cause of the disease (viruses, bacteria). The advantages of this herbal remedy include a strengthening effect on children's body in general and quick withdrawal local manifestations (inflammation, swelling, pain).

Licorice can cope with such manifestations of the disease as:

dry cough (thin the mucus and remove it from the bronchi and lungs);
paroxysmal cough (relieves inflammation and swelling of the respiratory tract);
restless sleep during illness (has an analgesic and sedative effect).

The wide spectrum of action of licorice root syrup helps to shorten the course of the disease, reduce the manifestations of its symptoms and prevent complications in case of acute or exacerbation of the chronic course:

pneumonia,
laryngitis,
tracheitis,
tracheobronchitis,
bronchitis,
bronchial asthma,
bronchiectasis.

Instructions for use

How to take licorice root? It is recommended to take the syrup after meals 3-4 times a day, mixing single dose with warm boiled water. For productive sputum formation during treatment, increase drinking regime child, offering compote, tea during the day, boiled water no added sugar.

Dosage

The packaging box with syrup usually contains a measuring spoon, with which you can easily measure the required single dose:

from 1 year to 3 years – 2.5 ml;
from 3 to 6 years – increases from 2.5 ml to 5.0 ml;
from 6 to 9 years – from 5.0 to 7.5 ml;
from 9 to 12 years – from 7.5 to 10.0 ml will be enough;
over 12 years old - 15 ml of syrup.

Children should take licorice syrup diluted in water. From 3 to 12 years old, a single dose is mixed with 50 ml of water, and over 12 years old - with 100 ml. For the youngest patients (up to 3 years), the amount of water for diluting the syrup should be only 15-25 ml.

The drug is not prescribed to children under one year of age due to the presence of ethanol in it ( ethyl alcohol).

The doctor may choose another regimen for treatment with licorice syrup, where the dosage in ml is replaced by drops. In this case, at one time, give as many drops as the child is full years old. Before taking, measured drops are also diluted with water.

Course duration

In most cases, treatment with licorice syrup relieves cough already on the 3-4th day of use. The course is designed for a period of 7 to 10 days (no more) and is adjusted by the pediatrician individually, taking into account the severity and course of the disease, and the extinction of symptoms.

Contraindications

Licorice root syrup is usually well tolerated by children and rarely causes allergic manifestations: redness of the skin, the appearance of a pink rash, diarrhea, nausea, swelling.

The list of contraindications is limited:

under 1 year of age;
allergy to the drug;
severe form of bronchial asthma;
exacerbation chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract.

It is recommended to take licorice syrup with extreme caution and only under the supervision of a doctor for children with rare attacks of bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and impaired liver and kidney function.

Side effects

With a long course of treatment, a slight loss of potassium salts by the body is possible. To avoid a deficiency of this mineral element, while taking syrup, it is useful to enrich the child’s diet with bananas, dried apricots, buckwheat porridge and oatmeal, peanuts, walnuts.

Uncontrolled use of licorice for cough can cause nausea, diarrhea, swelling and increased blood pressure.

Compatibility with other cough medications

When treating cough in children with licorice syrup with a pronounced expectorant effect, you should not take antitussive drugs at the same time.

The action of licorice is designed to liquefy and remove mucous secretions from the respiratory tract.

In the absence of a cough, stagnation of sputum poses a threat of complications, since it represents a favorable environment for the growth and development of pathogenic microbes and disrupts natural ventilation.

Selection of manufacturer and composition

Licorice syrup is available in volumes of 100, 200 and 250 ml. The manufacturer claims a long shelf life (2 years), but keep in mind that an open bottle can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 months. Therefore, for children it is more advisable to purchase the medicine in a volume of 100 ml.

The composition of the drug is practically the same different manufacturers. Required components:

licorice root extract (4 g);
sugar syrup (86 ml);
ethanol (90% - 10 ml).

This recipe is followed by many Russian pharmaceutical enterprises: Vifitech (Moscow), Begrif (Novosibirsk), Samaramedprom (Samara), EKOlab (Moscow) and others.

Be careful when choosing medicinal drug There must be a list of ingredients, where additives are indicated. Unfortunately, a number of manufacturers use sodium benzoate (E211) and potassium sorbate (E202) as preservatives. The food glycerin (E422) introduced into the composition is often synthesized from palm or coconut oil, and hydroxyethylcellulose, which acts as a stabilizer, is a polysaccharide.

Such a recipe causes allergic reactions and can harm the baby’s health, and licorice syrup loses its main advantage - safety.

Licorice root syrup – herbal remedy based on the rhizomes of licorice glabra, which has an anti-inflammatory, expectorant and immunostimulating effect.

This drug is based on licorice extract, sugar syrup and a small percentage of ethyl alcohol. This composition of simple and natural ingredients allows the drug to be used even by small children.

The medicine effectively relieves coughing attacks, thins mucus, strengthens the immune system, eliminates inflammatory processes in the bronchopulmonary system. Also this drug able to fight harmful microorganisms, causing flu, colds and other inflammatory ailments.

Often used to treat bronchitis, tracheitis and pneumonia. It is also called licorice or licorice root syrup.

Clinical and pharmacological group

Herbal preparation with expectorant effect.

Terms of sale from pharmacies

Can be bought without a doctor's prescription.

Price

How much does Licorice root syrup cost in pharmacies? average price is at the level of 40 rubles.

Composition and release form

Available in 100 ml bottles. Compound:

4 ml extract from the rhizome of naked licorice;
86 ml natural sugar syrup;
10 ml of ethyl alcohol.

The drug is characterized by a specific taste, thanks to which the syrup is easily recognizable. Due to the presence of sugar syrup in the composition of the medicine, it is widely used in the treatment of children, as they readily take the medicine.

pharmachologic effect

The expectorant works due to the glycyrrhizin component, which enhances the secretory function of the mucous membranes. In addition to glycyrrhizin, which licorice root contains 6-12%, the product is rich in glycyrrhizic acid and its salts, flavonoids (liquiritin), isoflavonoids (formononetin), coumestane derivatives (isoglycyrol), hydroxycoumarins (gerniarin), steroids (stigmasterol) and essential oils.

Glycyrrhizin increases the activity of the ciliated epithelium, exhibits antiulcer and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing platelet aggregation. Due to this, the medication inhibits the enzyme dehydrogenase in the kidneys, which reduces the synthesis of cortisol to cortisone. Cortisol has a mineralocorticoid effect, which leads to a decrease in potassium concentration and an increase in sodium content in the blood serum. Violation of this activity leads to a decrease in edema (fluid retention in the body decreases), a decrease in body weight, and normalization of blood pressure.

Metabolites of glycyrrhizic acid suppress the peripheral metabolism of cortisol, causing a pseudoaldosterone-like effect. One of the components of licorice root, liquiritoside, exhibits an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the respiratory organs, relieves increased tone. In addition, the instructions indicate the following properties of the plant:

antispasmodic;
antiviral;
anti-inflammatory;
regenerating;
immunostimulating;
antibacterial (kills staphylococci, mycobacteria, pathogenic infections, destroys their walls);
antitumor.

Indications for use

The syrup is used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract accompanied by dry and wet cough.Indications for use of the drug:

When coughing. The syrup is effective for various forms, bronchopneumonia. Liquefies thick secretion, removes it, makes it productive - moist. Removes mucus plugs from blockage of the bronchi and lungs.
. Softens, soothes cough, relieves spasms of bronchial smooth muscles. However, self-medication for this diagnosis is strictly contraindicated. There are cases of allergies to the drug and exacerbation of the disease.
Bronchiectasis. Purulent process in the bronchi, often chronic. Occurs with tuberculosis, lung abscess. IN complex treatment included antibiotics, bronchodilators, massage, breathing exercises. Licorice root extract is prescribed to thin mucus.
Sanitation of the bronchi. It is carried out before surgical treatment bronchi, after operations.

Basics pharmachologic effect- expectorant. Glycyrrhizin affects the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, stimulates its work, and removes excess phlegm.

Contraindications

You need to be careful when taking any medication, especially if it may have negative side effects. Licorice syrup, the contraindications of which should be taken into account, is taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor.

Liquorice extract should not be consumed if a person has:

individual intolerance;
pregnancy at any stage;
hypokalemia;
cardiac dysfunction;
arterial hypertension;
diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2;
disruption of the adrenal glands;
liver failure, cirrhosis;
acute or chronic form diarrhea
acute renal failure;
thrombocytopenia.

Prescription during pregnancy and lactation

Medicines with licorice are contraindicated at any stage of pregnancy, since glycyrrhizin from licorice root can cause accumulation excess liquid in the body and cause swelling of the limbs. Licorice can also disrupt a pregnant woman’s hormonal levels and increase blood pressure.

At breastfeeding Preparations with licorice can only be used on the recommendation of the attending physician and with extreme caution. During lactation, all medications are selected individually so that the treatment does not harm the child on breastfeeding.

Dosage and method of administration

As indicated in the instructions for use, Licorice root syrup is taken orally.

children under 2 years old: 1–2 drops (after preliminary dilution in 1 teaspoon of water);
children 2–6 years old: 2–10 drops (after preliminary dilution in 1 teaspoon of water);
children 6–12 years old: 50 drops (after preliminary dilution in 1/4 glass of water);
children over 12 years old: 1/2 teaspoon (after preliminary dilution in 1/4 glass of water).

Duration of use is from 7 to 10 days. The need for a longer course should be discussed with your doctor.

To facilitate expectoration in the presence of poorly separated sputum, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm fluids.

Side effect

According to the instructions for use, licorice root can cause the following side effects:

allergic reactions;
swelling;
decreased concentration of potassium ions in the blood;
increased blood pressure;
myopathy;
myoglobinuria.

Use is strictly prohibited licorice syrup in combination with cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic drugs. This may cause hypokalemia.

Overdose

In case of significant excess of the recommended therapeutic dose Licorice root syrup may cause the appearance or intensification of negative symptoms adverse reactions. In this case, use of the drug should be stopped and contact medical specialist, who, if necessary, will prescribe symptomatic treatment.

special instructions

1 drop of syrup contains 0.01 XE, 1 teaspoon contains 0.11 XE.

The maximum adult single dose is 430 mg of absolute alcohol, 1 drop is 19 mg.

Interaction with other drugs

Possible combined use with other drugs used for the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases.

Concomitant use with drugs containing codeine, as well as with other drugs with antitussive effects, is not recommended, as this may lead to difficulty coughing up liquefied sputum.

The arsenal of cough remedies is constantly being updated with new drugs. Licorice syrup is an “old-timer” among them, but still remains popular, especially among young parents who would like to treat their child with preparations made from natural, plant-based raw materials, and not some kind of “chemistry.”

Licorice in this situation - a good choice: syrup is made from a plant of the legume family, which contains many valuable components.

Is it possible to give licorice syrup to children and how much is prescribed to the child depending on his age?

Composition and release form

Experts especially highlight substances called “bioflavonoids”. These are vitamin-like compounds that can only be synthesized in plants.

It is these substances that ensure the effectiveness of the syrup as a medicine.

Licorice preparations (also called licorice) can be purchased in the form of tablets, powders, and granules.

Traditional medicine uses the dried root of the plant to prepare infusions, tinctures and decoctions (however, there is a high probability of errors - there are two dozen species of this plant in nature, but only one of them gives a strong healing result).

According to pediatricians, the most convenient for patients dosage form- this is syrup. It is produced in bottles with a capacity of 60, 100, 125 g.

When is it prescribed?

Many people know licorice syrup as a cough remedy. The range of its application is much wider. It is prescribed as part of complex therapy for the treatment of:

Possibility of the drug:

the ability to remove mucus from the bronchi and lungs;
relieve coughing attacks;
heal wounds in the respiratory organs formed after these attacks;
support the immune system.

Licorice contains tannins, which are useful for normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. By giving the child a cough remedy, parents at the same time heal the body. The kids take the healing syrup with pleasure because it is tasty, unlike most medications.

The root of the plant also helps normalize water-salt metabolism in the body. The “adaptogen” substance makes it more resistant to lack of oxygen and has a beneficial effect on the hormonal system.

The following video is about when a herbal remedy is prescribed:

Contraindications

Start any drug treatment is possible only after examining the patient by a pediatrician. After all, even a cough can be different, which means that medications should be selected according to the nature of the disease. It is especially dangerous to use different medications simultaneously.

For which cough should it be taken? medicinal syrup children? A drug that thins and removes phlegm from the body cannot be combined with medications that simply suppress coughing attacks. If the sputum does not come out, there is a high risk of getting a complication in the form.

Licorice has contraindications:

The video contains warnings from doctors. How such syrup can harm:

How does the medicine work?

The effectiveness of the drug is ensured by the biologically active substances it contains.

Affecting the epithelium internal walls bronchi, they stimulate the production of secretion, which helps sputum begin to move out. This achieves an expectorant effect.

The medicine also provides an antispasmodic result - it has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles bronchi, weakening coughing attacks.

The presence of the substance sitosterol in the drug provides an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect, helps in the regeneration of damaged cells of the mucous membranes.

The drug is effective when the disease is just beginning to gain strength, and even more difficult situations with an already developed infection. A few days are enough for the patient to recover. The main condition for success is strict adherence medical prescriptions.

Dosage and frequency of administration

How should children drink licorice syrup when coughing, depending on their age?

The instructions say that children under one year of age are not recommended to prescribe the drug due to the alcohol content in it; older patients take it after meals three to four times a day, the dosage will be as follows:

children from 1 to 3 years old– 2.5 ml;
from four to six– from 2.5 to 5 ml;
from seven to nine– 5-7.5 ml;
from ten to twelve– 7.5-10 ml.

Older children are given 15 ml of syrup.

You can calculate the optimal dose of the medicine yourself using the formula: no matter how old the child is, the number of drops of medicine he should receive per dose.

The duration of the course does not depend on the age of the patient. The main thing is that it does not last longer than 10 days.

How to use

How to take licorice root syrup for cough for children? Important role When taking the medicine, it is given to water.

Firstly, even such a sweet drug is difficult to drink, since its consistency is thick, and the taste may seem too cloying to some. Therefore, dilute the syrup with water - ordinary boiled, slightly warmed.

Secondly, during treatment, give your child more water, juices, and compote than usual. This reduces the viscosity of sputum. If it remains thick, it will seriously complicate the patient’s breathing, causing discomfort to the child.

Before giving licorice root syrup to children, doctors warn: you should not add the product to hot tea. Heat detrimental to healing properties this natural medicine.

Interaction with other substances

If licorice is used as one of the means of complex therapy, the doctor will select those medications that will not interfere with each other.

If parents want to show “independence,” which is strictly forbidden to do in relation to a child, it is worth reminding them of how dangerous the interaction of licorice is:

with diuretics (water medications)– the body will begin to quickly lose potassium;
with heart medications– the same negative effect;
with laxatives and hormonal– a sharp increase in the laxative effect and a change for the worse electrolyte balance, that is, the body loses vital microelements.

Overdose and side effects

Even if the patient has no contraindications to taking this medicine, parents need to carefully monitor the child’s condition, since licorice can cause various side effects - nausea, diarrhea, itching, rash, swelling. If these signs appear, you should not continue taking the medicine.

If the dosage is exceeded, there is a high probability of such negative phenomena like fever, dizziness, weakness. A jump in blood pressure may also occur.

Price, storage and release conditions, expiration date

Licorice root syrup is one of the most available funds cough medicine for children. Z and a 100-ml bottle at a pharmacy costs from 20 to 50 rubles. The cost varies depending on the type of packaging and whether it is equipped with any dispenser - for example, a measuring spoon. When purchasing from an online store, the price may increase due to delivery.

Medicinal syrup is available without a prescription. You can store it (without losing healing qualities) for two years in a dark place (bottles for this drug are usually made of dark glass). Storage temperature is maximum 25 degrees.

Pavel O.: “In our family, everyone, young and old, has allergies. Select if necessary safe medicine- problem. But we found a cough remedy that works well for both 6-year-old Nastya and us adults - licorice syrup.”

Vika S.:“My son got his feet wet running around the yard with his friends. For the first time in my life I treated it with licorice, although I had heard a lot about this remedy good reviews from friends. The doctor taught me how to count correctly required quantity drops We recovered quickly."

Daria A.:“Although licorice is a medicine from nature itself, I treat it with caution. Still, there is alcohol in the syrup. Is this dangerous for the child? It also has a laxative effect. So, we’ve cured the cough, now let’s tackle the diarrhea?”

Elizabeth R.:“Licorice helps you recover very quickly. It is only important to take into account some of the features of this medicine. For example, give the child more fluids so that the phlegm he coughs up has a place to come from.”

Irina L.:“I usually don’t trust cheap medicines (pharmacies often recommend expensive ones), but licorice is an exception. I gave the syrup to my daughter for less than a week - and the cough, gradually weakening, went away completely.”

With the help of syrup from the roots of this medicinal plant, parents treated themselves when they were little, and today they restore the health of their children. For the drug to help, do not deviate from the pediatrician’s recommendations, do not arbitrarily change the dosage: every teaspoon matters when we're talking about about the medicine.

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