Nowadays, when most parents are trying to find a medicine made from natural ingredients to treat their child, including acute respiratory infections, we should pay attention to such an excellent natural remedy as Licorice Root Syrup .
This is a very high-quality and effective expectorant drug used to overcome children's cough. Licorice root syrup, as a natural preparation, is completely safe for children. But here it is important, especially in the context of over-the-counter sales of the medicine, to correctly follow the doses and recommendations specified in the instructions, and best of all, consult a doctor.
Indications for use
With the help of licorice root, pneumonia, tracheitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, gastritis during remission can be cured as part of complex therapy; in addition, the remedy is used during the healing period of stomach ulcers.
The properties of the drug are due to the bouquet of healing substances included in its composition. Together, these healing substances have a positive effect on the course of the disease in the child.
Licorice root syrup has the property of thinning mucus and removing it from the bronchi and lungs, relieving coughing attacks, facilitating expectoration of mucus, increasing the child’s immunity, healing and disinfecting the respiratory tract from wounds caused by a strong cough. Among the properties of this drug is an antiviral effect.
Effect of the drug
Despite its relative cheapness, Licorice Root Syrup has a very wide spectrum of action. Particularly impressive results can be obtained if you start treating children with this drug in the very first stage of the disease. With a complicated and advanced cough, and even more complicated, syrup alone may not defeat the disease, and in this case it is used as part of a complex treatment.
When treating a baby with Licorice Root Syrup, you can achieve not only a quick disappearance of the cough, but also an improvement in the functioning of the children's gastrointestinal tract, since during the treatment the child also receives the required amount of tannins. An important property is the pleasant taste of the drug, which children consume without whim and with pleasure.
Application
It is recommended for little ones to mix Licorice Root Syrup with boiled water.
Licorice root syrup can be given to children starting from one year old. It is taken orally after meals three to four times a day.
Once again, be careful about the prescribed dosage! It is recommended to give two and a half milliliters (half a teaspoon) of syrup at a time from one to three years. From four to six years, the dose is increased to two and a half to five milliliters per dose, this is from half a teaspoon to a whole. From seven to nine years old they give from five to seven and a half milliliters per dose, and from ten to twelve - 7.5-10 milliliters. At an older age, an adult dose is prescribed - fifteen milliliters, or three teaspoons (one tablespoon) per dose.
A dosing spoon is included with the medicine kit. The duration of treatment with Licorice Root Syrup is prescribed for each child individually, taking into account personal characteristics, the severity and course of the disease and a number of other factors that are taken into account by the doctor. The tolerance of Licorice Root Syrup must also be taken into account.
A simpler scheme for calculating doses is one in which the number of drops of the medicine that is taken for the baby should be equal to the number of his full years.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications, in addition to the age of one year, is the undesirability of treating infants with this medicine, since it contains alcohol. And the requirement to dilute the dose with boiled water is connected precisely with this. The drug should not be given to children with bronchial asthma or diabetes mellitus.
Side effects
It is extremely rare, but there have been cases of side effects of the drug, which were obviously associated with hypersensitivity and overdose. In these cases, itching and rash, hyperemia (redness) of the skin, swelling, nausea and diarrhea were observed. If such symptoms occur, treatment is canceled and a doctor is consulted.
Licorice root syrup is a modern plant-based medicinal preparation obtained from the roots and rhizomes of the medicinal plant Licorice glabra. It is a thick, brown liquid with a sweet taste and a tart, peculiar odor. Per 100 g of licorice root syrup there are: 4 g of licorice root extract, 10 g of 96% ethyl alcohol and 86 g of sugar syrup.
How to give licorice root syrup to children?
The syrup is used in pediatrics for inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The syrup promotes abundant mucus production and has
- anti-inflammatory,
- painkiller,
- antimicrobial,
- immunostimulating effect.
Thanks to its antiviral activity, the drug suppresses staphylococci and pathogenic microorganisms. Licorice root syrup also has a pronounced antitumor effect.
Instructions for use of syrup in children
The syrup is taken for no more than 10 days. The regimen and dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor. Usually prescribed:
1.
children under 2 years old – 1-2 drops per 1 dessert spoon, three times a day;
2.
from 3 to 12 years – 0.5 teaspoon per 1/4 glass of water, three times a day;
3.
over 12 years old - 1 teaspoon per 1/4 glass of water.
Sometimes, in order to calculate the dosage of syrup, a simple formula is used: 1 drop of syrup is required for each year of life.
It is not recommended for children of the first years of life to take the syrup, because it contains 96% ethyl alcohol. It should be given with special caution to patients with diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma, as adverse reactions are possible. Licorice root syrup is also contraindicated for patients with gastritis and gastric ulcers in the acute stage.
In case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, allergic reactions and increased blood pressure are possible.
If, after taking licorice, a child experiences one of the side effects (rash, itching, swelling, diarrhea, increased blood pressure), it is necessary to immediately stop treatment and consult a doctor.
It is important to remember that the syrup should not be taken simultaneously with antitussive medications, as it promotes expectoration. The medicine must be taken with a sufficiently large amount of water so that the sputum can be removed more easily.
Before giving syrup to children, you should consult your doctor and read the instructions for use.
How to make licorice root syrup at home?
Early spring is the best time to harvest licorice roots. This medicinal plant will help cope with spring colds and strengthen a weakened body. Glycosides were found in licorice roots: liquiritoside and glycyrrhizin.
The latter is one of the most important elements responsible for the healing power of licorice root. As a result of the breakdown of glycyrrhizin in the body, glycerritic acid is formed, which is similar in chemical structure to steroid hormones and has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, licorice root contains vitamin C, fructose, sucrose, starch, proteins, pectin substances, potassium salts, calcium salts, iron salts, bitterness, gum, mucous substances, etc.
1.
When a cough just begins, it is recommended to use this remedy: fry licorice, crush it, add crushed violet and anise.
2.
If complications in the lungs appear as a result of an advanced disease, you can use licorice in combination with raspberry roots.
3.
If the upper respiratory tract is affected, licorice is combined with anise to relieve cough.
4.
And if a person is sick with tuberculosis, then you can take an infusion of roasted licorice and eat it with grapes.
5.
Take one tablespoon each of licorice root, marshmallow root, and elecampane. Mix well. Two teaspoons of this mixture are poured into 400 ml of cold boiled water and allowed to brew for eight hours. This licorice infusion for cough is taken twice a day, 100 ml before meals.
Application
Having a wide spectrum of action, licorice root is widely used in several areas of modern medicine. This prescription is controlled by the attending physician, taking into account the medicinal properties of this drug and medical contraindications. Indications for use may be as follows, but the spectrum of action is not limited to them:
- atherosclerosis;
- diagnosed infertility;
- viral hepatitis;
- pathologies of the adrenal glands;
- arterial hypertension;
- hormonal imbalance;
- menstrual irregularities;
- herpes;
- cold.
Against cough
Licorice cough syrup is an expectorant that promotes the formation of viscous secretions and the separation of sputum, reduces the intensity of the cough reflex, and soothes unpleasant attacks. Licorice root has a coating effect on the respiratory tract and softens allergic coughs. This prescription is appropriate even for whooping cough with manifestations of dermatitis and pneumonia. Other indications for use are presented below:
- bronchitis;
- laryngitis;
- pharyngitis;
- pneumonia;
- pneumonia;
- tuberculosis.
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Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
The enveloping properties of licorice root are appropriate for extensive pathologies of the digestive system, especially relevant for gastritis and stomach ulcers. The medicinal properties of this medicinal plant reduce acidity, normalize intestinal microflora, and stimulate metabolism. Licorice root has medical contraindications, but according to indications it is useful both as a decoction and as an infusion. If you use licorice juice for treatment, it is advisable to dilute it according to the proportions.
For thyroid disorders
In chronic diseases of the endocrine system, there is a hormonal imbalance that requires individual correction. Since the natural composition of licorice rhizomes contains natural hormones - flavonoids and phytoestrogens - their presence is especially valuable for women of reproductive age, helping to cope with diagnosed infertility and other ailments. The main indication for use is hypofunction of the adrenal cortex.
Genitourinary system
Natural licorice tincture is used for diseases of the urinary tract of an infectious-inflammatory nature, for the effective prevention of such. The plant is recommended for acute cystitis and progressive pyelonephritis. The benefits of the herb for the kidneys and liver are obvious, but this medicine is more often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen.
Joint diseases
This sweet-tasting solution can be used as a powerful pain reliever for joint pain. The medicinal properties of the plant, in the absence of medical contraindications, help to quickly remove inflammation and relieve swelling, and restore the former mobility of the joints. This medicinal plant is recommended for arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, polyarthritis and other joint ailments that can lead to disability.
Nervous system
The beneficial rhizome not only productively stabilizes blood pressure, but also acts as a powerful antidepressant. Its medicinal properties are used to increase the tone of the structural elements of the central nervous system, normalize the sleep phase, and eliminate attacks of chronic fatigue and depression. The drug acts quickly and purposefully, so even a child with emotional instability can take it.
Lymph cleansing
This is an effective remedy for lymphostasis, since it productively cleanses blood and other biological fluids of intoxication products. For example, a decoction of licorice root can remove toxins from the surface of the skin and stimulate metabolic processes at the cellular level. However, before using the medicinal properties of the plant, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with medical contraindications.
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Beneficial properties of licorice root in the treatment of children and adults
Preparations from licorice root are prescribed for diseases of the upper respiratory tract as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and cough softener. A decoction of licorice root is used for treatment
- gastritis with low acidity,
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum,
- as an effective laxative.
- Licorice is known to strengthen the body's immune system.
- Fresh licorice juice has a positive effect on various skin diseases - psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, etc.
How to give licorice for cough to children and adults?
According to statistics, people most often turn to a pharmacist for advice if they are suffering from a cold, that is, a runny nose, cough, low temperature, or sore throat. As a self-medication, they may be advised to use a remedy based on licorice. However, it is worth remembering that cough can have a different nature of occurrence, and each patient has his own individual characteristics, tolerance or intolerance to certain components. Before using any licorice-based cough medicine, you should not only consult a doctor, but also carefully read the composition yourself. .
Cough is the body’s reaction to the presence of an irritant, such as sputum, in the tracheobronchial tree. The bronchi try to get rid of it, and that's why the cough appears. Sometimes the removal of sputum is difficult because it is very viscous, so specialists prescribe medications that can thin it.
Due to its healing properties, licorice has a unique effect on the body; it does not suppress the inflammatory process, but rather enhances it, stimulating the body's defenses. It is good to take for a dry cough, it helps it transition to a productive form and speedy recovery. Licorice can also enhance the effect of certain medicinal components, so it can be taken as a combination cough treatment.
Licorice cures bronchopulmonary diseases well; it promotes expectoration of sputum from the tracheobronchial tree. When coughing, licorice helps increase the volume of mucus, which removes all germs from the lungs.
A child's cough is a common symptom of colds and infectious diseases. Gradually, from a dry form it turns into a wet one, becomes less frequent and the baby recovers. It happens that the period of coughing is prolonged, which worries parents. Licorice root syrup, an affordable and effective expectorant, helps overcome it. When and for what symptoms its use is justified is described in the annotation to the drug.
One of the cough remedies is licorice root syrup.
Advantages
The frequent use of licorice syrup in the treatment of cough in children is due to a fairly large number of positive characteristics of such a medicine:
- Licorice root syrup is an affordable, inexpensive drug found in many pharmacies.
- The medicine is based on plant materials (natural root extract), so it can be given in childhood.
- Thanks to the sweet taste, most sick children do not refuse this type of medicine.
- This syrup is a ready-made remedy that can be immediately given to a coughing child without the need to mix, boil or infuse anything.
- The thick syrup quickly envelops the mucous membrane and begins to act almost immediately after administration.
- Licorice syrup is quite convenient to dose. Many manufacturers include a measuring spoon or measuring cup in the packaging of such medicine.
How does licorice root help?
Licorice root (licorice) from the legume family has many beneficial properties and is used for medicinal purposes in the form of various dosage forms - tinctures, concentrated syrups, thick decoctions. It contains the natural antioxidant ascorbic acid, a number of essential oils, flavonoids, and other useful components. Initially, the laxative, diuretic, wound-healing, and immunostimulating effects of the root were noted. Later, its effectiveness in coughs was proven.
The effect of the root has proven itself in cases of tendency to constipation, colitis, and skin diseases. In these situations, therapists recommend drinking pharmaceutical herbal teas based on it, preparing tinctures and decoctions.
The plant is allergenic, so children should be given medications containing it with caution.
Composition and features of the drug
Ready-made industrial licorice root syrup is a thick, chocolate-brown liquid. It has a sweet taste, and it usually doesn't take long to ask little ones to drink it at the right time. The viscous structure ensures a quick and gentle action of the medicine, which envelops and soothes the respiratory tract. In 100 ml. 4 ml of medicinal liquid was measured. licorice root extract (active ingredient) and additional components - 10 ml of 96% ethyl alcohol, 86 ml. sugar syrup.
The syrup contains alcohol, so the medicine is not prescribed to small children
The therapeutic effect of the drug is due to the high content of natural bioflavonoids (liquiritin and liquiritoside), which have a general strengthening effect on the body. It also contains glycyrrhizic acid, systosterol, glycyrrhizin - ingredients for enhancing immunity. Syrup (additional component) consists of sugar, starch and pectin. Since the drug is based on alcohol, doctors prescribe it with caution before the age of two.
For colds, medicine based on licorice root has a complex effect:
- expectorant;
- anti-inflammatory;
- restorative;
- regenerating;
- antiviral.
For long-term storage, the drug is released in dark glass bottles. A number of manufacturers can add water, specially prepared glycerin, and natural preservatives to the medicine, but children should choose syrups with a minimum amount of components (only licorice, sugar, alcohol). The drug has an affordable price: a bottle produced by Samaramedprom, EKOlab, and other domestic pharmaceutical plants costs about 50 rubles.
Reviews and price
Before taking syrup with licorice root extract, you should also read reviews from parents who have already given this medicine to their coughing children. In most cases, licorice root syrup receives positive feedback, noting that such a remedy is really effective in helping with coughs in children.
Among the advantages of the drug are its availability, pleasant sweet taste, and natural composition. Many mothers consider the disadvantages of licorice syrup to be the presence of alcohol and sugar in the medicine, as well as the presence of contraindications.
As for the cost of licorice syrup, domestic preparations and syrups produced in neighboring countries are inexpensive. For packaging of medicine from manufacturers such as Samaramedprom, Viola, Omsk Pharmaceutical Factory, Flora Caucasus or Borshchagovsky HF Plant, you will pay from 20 to 50 rubles.
Effect of cough syrup
Many biologically active substances that licorice root syrup contains have a beneficial effect on the state of the respiratory system during ARVI and colds. Flavonoids and glycyrrhizin stimulate the activity of the epithelium lining the bronchi. Under their influence, the villi actively produce bronchial secretions, bind pathogen cells and push liquefied sputum to exit through the bronchial tree.
The therapeutic effect of the syrup is as follows:
- liquefaction and removal of sputum;
- respiratory tract disinfection;
- regeneration of microcracks that form after coughing;
- relief of coughing attacks of any kind (frequent dry, wet);
- gradual cessation of cough and inflammation in the bronchi.
The syrup works well to liquefy and remove mucus from the child’s lungs.
Indications for use
Main indications for the use of licorice root syrup:
- bronchitis;
- tracheitis;
- pneumonia;
- laryngitis;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (remission stage);
- inflammation of the urinary tract.
For complicated coughs, the drug is prescribed in combination with other medications. However, when the baby takes tablets that are incompatible with licorice root (containing codeine), the syrup is put aside. It is drunk for 10 days. If in the first two days the child does not experience relief or swelling is observed, you should contact the clinic for a re-examination so as not to miss complications of the disease.
Side effect
Some children who take licorice root syrup experience nausea and may have diarrhea. The drug can also cause an allergic reaction, which is manifested by itching, swelling and redness of the skin, and rash. If such signs of intolerance occur, the medicine is discontinued, replacing it with a drug with a similar effect.
Side effects may also appear if the recommended treatment period is not followed (taken for more than 10 days). If you use licorice products for a long time, it can lead to an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, which will cause swelling and increase blood pressure.
The same side effect is noted when combining licorice root syrup with diuretics, cardiac glycosides, laxatives and some other groups of drugs. It is very dangerous to take such syrup together with antitussive medications that can suppress the cough reflex.
Contraindications
Before giving the drug to an infant or older child, you should study the contraindications and side effects. Its use is unacceptable in the following situations:
- sensitivity to the components of the drug;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
- arrhythmia;
- bronchial asthma;
- disruption of the kidneys and liver.
Licorice root has contraindications, so its use is possible after consulting a doctor.
The side effect of the drug is expressed in an allergic reaction, an undesirable increase in blood pressure. In the first case, a rash, diathesis, and other skin reaction on the arms, legs, and face are possible. In the second case, the pulse quickens, and when listening, the pediatrician observes a heart murmur. The child complains of feeling hot and gets tired quickly. Stomach discomfort and nausea may occur. For diabetes, doctors usually select medications that have similar effects, but without sugar.
General rules for taking syrup for children under 12 years of age
You cannot prescribe licorice root syrup on your own before the age of 12. It is important that the pediatrician examines the child and determines the appropriateness of its use in a particular situation.
The medicine is given to the child after meals, in an individually prescribed dosage. The doctor selects it based on the weight, age, and well-being of the little patient. When calculating, the specialist relies on the dose for an adult weighing 65 kg.
For 1 kg. babies are supposed to weigh about 0.3 ml. syrup (single dose 20 mg divided by 65). Knowing the weight of the baby, you can determine the prescribed volume of medication. For example, a baby weighing 9 kg. you need to give about 2.7 ml of syrup (0.5 tsp) at a time, which is important to dilute in a dessert spoon of water before serving.
When treating a cough in a child, it is important to remember the need for frequent and abundant drinking for better sputum removal.
The basic rules for taking syrup are:
- When the infant's correct weight is unknown or controversial, dosage can be adjusted based on age. Up to six months it is 1/10 of the adult, in a year - 1/6.
- Take licorice no more than 3 times a day. The course lasts no more than one and a half weeks.
- Before serving to children, the drug is carefully diluted in boiled water or weak tea. To enhance the expectorant effect during the period of taking it, it is recommended to drink frequently - water, fruit drinks, compotes, tea.
- The medicine is prescribed to infants with caution, in extremely rare cases. For infants, pediatricians select expectorants without ethanol.
Indications
Given the expectorant effect, licorice root syrup is most often prescribed:
- For acute bronchitis.
- To relieve cough in acute laryngitis.
- For pneumonia.
- With tracheitis.
- For chronic bronchitis.
- For bronchiectasis.
The drug can also be prescribed during surgery on the respiratory tract, both before and after the intervention. It is also recommended for gastritis or peptic ulcers, but only during the period of recovery and remission.
Dosages for children of different ages
When measuring the correct amount of syrup (in drops, teaspoons), take into account that the maximum single dose for a two-year-old child is two drops (see also: Prospan syrup for children with instructions). Sometimes experts use a simpler dosage regimen, prescribing to take as many drops at a time as the child’s current age. Dosages according to instructions:
- up to 2 years - 1-2 drops per 1 tsp. water 3 times/day;
- from 2 to 6 years - 2-10 drops per 1 tsp. water 3 times/day;
- from 6 to 12 years - 50 drops per 0.5 tbsp. water 3 times/day;
- from 12 years - 0.5 tsp. for 1 tsp. water 3 r/day.
Alternatives for cough treatment
For children under one year old, it is necessary to use other drugs, for example, Gedelix
Parent reviews of licorice syrup are mostly positive. However, not only this dosage form is effective for coughing. Pharmacies offer licorice in the form of tablets, herbal teas, mixtures based on it, and complex antitussive syrups. In addition, you can use special candies that, in addition to licorice extract, contain sugar and molasses. They make breathing easier when you have a runny nose, and gradually reduce the number of coughing attacks in childhood.
Instead of licorice syrup for coughs, one-year-old children and infants are prescribed:
- Gedelix syrup with ivy extract, without sugar and ethanol;
- anti-inflammatory syrup "Eucabal" with plantain herb and thyme leaf extract;
- expectorant herbal medicine “Prospan” based on ivy extract.
These drugs also contain flavonoids and essential oils, which relieve shortness of breath, relax bronchial tissue, and improve children's breathing. They suppress the development of bacteria and viruses and help remove phlegm.
With long-term use of drugs based on licorice root, an intensive removal of potassium from the body occurs. At this time, children's diet should include dried apricots, peeled peanuts, walnuts, bananas and other foods containing large amounts of this microelement.
Licorice or licorice has been known since ancient times for its beneficial medicinal properties that help with coughs and respiratory diseases. The plant is actively used to treat influenza and ARVI, dry bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and even stomach ulcers. The healing decoction is effective for chronic constipation, disorders of water and mineral metabolism in the body. At the same time, the herbal preparation is 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.
Other licorice preparations
Licorice root syrup is not the only option for a medicine containing an extract of this plant. Licorice is available in pharmacies in the form of tablets, and is also added to various herbal infusions and complex cough syrups.
You can also buy licorice candies, which in addition to the plant extract contain sugar, gelatin, molasses, starch, flavorings and other substances. Children like these sweets and can be used to treat coughs in childhood.
For more information about the treatment of cough in children, see Dr. Komarovsky’s program.
Action and beneficial properties of licorice
Due to the safety of the components and properties, licorice root syrup can be safely given to 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 beneficial 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 coughing;
- 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 the skin, heals wounds and relieves irritation.
Licorice will not only help eliminate severe dry or wet cough, but will also speed up the treatment of diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and eliminate problems with the stomach and intestines. You can not only drink the composition, but also rub the solution on your chest and back, and wipe problem areas of the skin.
How does it affect the child’s body?
The main effect of the syrup, which contains licorice root, is to stimulate the motor and secretory functions of the respiratory system. The drug is prescribed for a wet cough, as an expectorant, if there is a viscous, thick and difficult to separate secretion in the child’s bronchi.
The properties of the medicine are due to the presence in licorice roots of such active substances as glycyrrhizic acid, essential oils, glycyrrhizin, polysaccharides and flavone glycosides. It is these compounds that activate the function of epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and relieve spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchi, due to which the mucus thins and its release during coughing is facilitated.
In addition to the expectorant effect, licorice syrup also has other effects:
- General strengthening of the child's body.
- Anti-inflammatory effect.
- Antimicrobial as well as antiviral effect.
- Stimulation of the child's body's defenses.
- Acceleration of healing of mucous membranes.
- Reducing blood cholesterol levels.
- Diuretic and laxative effect.
- Antitumor effect.
How to take licorice syrup for babies
Before the first use, drop a drop of the product onto the area of skin between the baby’s nose and upper lip and lightly rub into the skin. If after 1-2 hours a 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 such a safe product, it is important to consult with a 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 and the individual characteristics of the baby. But the course of treatment should not last more than ten days. The syrup or tincture is diluted with warm boiled water. As a rule, the number of drops of the product is equal to the number of complete years of the child.
The drug should not be used in children with bronchial asthma and diabetes!
Side effects after using licorice syrup include rash, skin itching and swelling, nausea and diarrhea. In this case, immediately stop taking the drug and consult a specialist! However, a negative effect is extremely rare. You can buy licorice root ready-made at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself.
How to make licorice root syrup for children
The 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. You can find other useful recipes for constipation in infants here.
A tincture or syrup can be prepared by roasting two teaspoons of the 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 fever. It is important to provide comfortable conditions and microclimate in the children's room and 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, cough must be treated early. A prolonged 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.
Potatoes are an excellent folk remedy for coughs. 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 of 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, ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids regularly. 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. Drinking plenty of fluids removes harmful substances from the body and softens the respiratory tract.
Don't forget about rinses based on soda and sea water. Such procedures kill germs in the throat, strengthen the immune system and relieve irritation of the respiratory tract. Before using medications, consult your pediatrician. How and how to treat infants with ARVI, read the link