Use of Licorice for respiratory system.

Question:

" I wanted to better understand the use of Licorice, specifically regarding the respiratory system. I understand its qualities and the virya and vipaka. But I have seen some conflicting info. I wanted to see if it could be useful with wet, high production of mucus that is yellow/green in color.

To me that sounds like an excess of both Kapha and Pitta. I can see why Licorice is useful for Vata in the respiratory system because of its sweet and heavy and unctuous qualities. But can it also be used for a Pitta/Kapha imbalance in the lungs? It seems great for the Pitta/infection, but is it too heavy and unctuous and will aggravate Kapha? It says that Licorice "liquefies kapha" which sounds like it helps to remove some of its sticky properties, and helps to dispel it from the body. But in the case of excess mucus, do we want to liquefy it or dry it out?

If you pair it with something like Sitopiladi, Trikatu or Tumeric to balance the qualities, and recommend a short term dosage, would that help?"

Lindsey Woodruff

Answer:

Certainly, Licorice can be used to effectively address cough/colds wherein there is an abundant production of yellow green mucus. Paired with Sitopaladi, it would be ideal for this purpose.

It is true that licorice does promote the formation of kapha and therefore, mucus, however, dramatically, lowers the viscosity of mucus and robs it of its adhesive qualities, facilitating its expulsion.

The sweet rasa and cooling virya of licorice will temper the excess of pitta as well.

Bill Courson