Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani medicine, for the treatment of various skin conditions such as boils, ulcers, and other inflammatory skin lesions. The root is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, which are thought to help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with boils. In TCM, licorice is often included in topical preparations for skin eruptions, and in Unani medicine, it is used as part of poultices applied externally to boils and abscesses.

From a scientific perspective, licorice contains various bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and liquiritin, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in vitro and in animal studies. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically investigating the efficacy of licorice, either topically or internally, for the treatment of boils in humans. While its traditional use and some pharmacological properties suggest a potential benefit, the evidence remains limited and largely anecdotal. Therefore, licorice's use for boils is primarily justified by tradition, with only modest support from preclinical studies.

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