Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and various folk remedies. In these systems, licorice root is sometimes used to address digestive complaints, including constipation in children, though it is more commonly used for cough, sore throat, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. In historical texts, licorice is described as having mild laxative properties, likely due to its glycyrrhizin content, which may affect intestinal motility and water retention in the colon.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of licorice for pediatric constipation is minimal. Modern clinical trials directly investigating licorice for this purpose in children are lacking, and most available data are either anecdotal or derived from traditional use rather than rigorous research. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the safety of licorice in children, particularly with prolonged use, because glycyrrhizin can cause electrolyte imbalances and other adverse effects.

In summary, while licorice is used traditionally for digestive complaints and may have a historical basis for use in constipation, there is little to no high-quality scientific evidence to support its safety or efficacy for treating constipation in children.

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