Licorice cough drops tend to be very beneficial for people suffering from allergies and the common cold. People throughout history have been using licorice in many different forms to treat these ailments. Licorice may help loosen mucus inside the nose as well as soothe inflamed and irritated membranes that result from frequent coughing or a sore throat. Another benefit of licorice in cough drops is the naturally sweet and spicy taste, which can be used to replace other sweeteners that are often included in cough drops. The health benefits of licorice cough drops are typically just temporary, but just one drop may provide relief for a few hours before more cough drops are needed.
Another reason why licorice cough drops are considered to be very beneficial for people suffering from cold-related problems are their antiviral properties. A person with the flu might have cold symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. The antiviral properties that licorice has may be helpful for fighting off the flu and easing the symptoms the flu causes. In addition to fighting off the flu, licorice cough drops might also help combat other types of viruses. A person who wants to use these cough drops for their potential benefits should be sure that the cough drops contain pure licorice and not artificial licorice flavoring.
People who are watching their weight may benefit from using licorice cough drops over other types of sugary cough drops. Licorice is naturally sweet and doesn't contain a lot of calories like sugar or honey. When a person is using cough drops all day long for several days in a row, the calories from sugary cough drops might start to add up. Cough drops containing licorice are typically sweet, and a person can use them without too much concern about his calorie intake. Some types of licorice cough drops do contain other sweeteners, so it may be a good idea for someone to thoroughly read the ingredients list before using them if weight control is desired.
In spite of the many health benefits of licorice, there are some potential side effects. The chances of a person experiencing any negative side effects from taking licorice cough drops are highly unlikely, but it is still probably a good idea to be aware of the risks. Many doctors warn pregnant women to avoid licorice in any form, because it can occasionally cause a rise in blood pressure. People who experience problems with high blood pressure might also need to avoid excessive amounts of licorice. It is also not uncommon for licorice to cause headaches and make PMS symptoms worse for some women.
