Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, especially within traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, for gastrointestinal complaints including indigestion and mild stomach discomfort. Its use in the context of infant colic, however, is primarily anecdotal and traditional, rather than evidence-based. Some traditional practitioners have prepared herbal teas or remedies that include licorice for colicky infants, believing its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties might help calm the digestive tract and reduce spasms.

Despite its traditional reputation, there is a lack of robust scientific studies specifically evaluating licorice root for the treatment of colic in children. Most clinical studies on licorice root focus on adult populations or other digestive ailments like gastritis and peptic ulcers. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the safety of licorice in infants due to its active compound, glycyrrhizin, which can cause adverse effects such as hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and even toxicity with excessive or prolonged use. As a result, modern pediatric guidelines do not recommend licorice root for colic, and its traditional use is not scientifically validated.

In summary, licorice root's use for colic in children is based on traditional practices rather than scientific evidence, and potential risks outweigh the unproven benefits in this vulnerable population. Parents and caregivers should consult healthcare professionals before considering any herbal treatment for infants.

More about licorice root
More about Colic (children)

Other ingredients used for Colic (children)

Other health conditions 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