Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species) has been used in traditional herbal medicine systems, particularly in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, for a variety of conditions, including as a supportive remedy for addictions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), licorice root is believed to harmonize the actions of other herbs, support detoxification, and soothe the body's stress response, which may be indirectly relevant to addiction recovery. However, scientific research specifically investigating licorice for addiction treatment is limited and largely preliminary. Some animal studies suggest that certain compounds in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin, may modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction, but these findings have not been robustly translated into human clinical practice. Overall, the use of licorice for addiction is primarily rooted in tradition, and clinical evidence supporting its efficacy is minimal. Therefore, its use for this purpose should be approached with caution, especially given potential side effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia associated with excessive licorice consumption.

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