Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a longstanding role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is used to "tonify" the Spleen, harmonize the actions of other herbs, and support digestive health. In TCM, the Spleen refers not only to the anatomical organ but also to a broader system responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and energy (Qi) production. Licorice root is classified as a sweet, neutral herb that enters the Spleen and other channels. Herbal formulas often include licorice root to strengthen the Spleen’s function, reduce fatigue, and improve appetite.

From a scientific perspective, licorice root contains compounds like glycyrrhizin, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties. However, Western medicine does not recognize the TCM "Spleen" as a physiological system, and studies have not directly investigated licorice root’s effects on the anatomical spleen or its Western-defined functions. Most clinical research focuses on licorice’s effects on the digestive tract, liver, and immune modulation, rather than specifically supporting the spleen. Therefore, the use of licorice root to support the Spleen is justified by strong traditional use and theory, with only indirect or tangential scientific support related to digestion and immunity.

In summary, licorice root’s use for the Spleen body system is primarily rooted in traditional herbal practice, with moderate evidence from clinical and pharmacological research supporting its broader digestive and immune effects.

More about licorice root
More about Spleen

Other ingredients that support Spleen

Other body systems supported by licorice root

Products containing licorice root

Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM
Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Breathe Activator TCM (formerly Breathe E-Z)
Nature's Sunshine C-X
Nature's Sunshine Combination CBG Extract
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Positive Pack
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Energ-V Capsules
Nature's Sunshine Female Comfort
Nature's Sunshine Gastro Health
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine HY-C
Nature's Sunshine HY-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine IF-C
Nature's Sunshine IF-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine LB Extract
Nature's Sunshine Lower Bowel Stimulator (Formerly LBS II)
Nature's Sunshine LBS II
Nature's Sunshine Licorice Root
Nature's Sunshine Licorice Root Extract
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance TCM
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Magnesium
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Chi TCM
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Pro-Pancreas Formula
Nature's Sunshine PS II
Nature's Sunshine Psyllium Hulls Combo
Nature's Sunshine Red Beet Root Formula
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine SF
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Stomach Comfort (Chewable)
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief TCM
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune TCM
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate GreenZone
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate Greenzone
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C® TCM
Nature's Sunshine Women's X-Action