Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for supporting glandular and endocrine health. In TCM, licorice is considered a harmonizer and is often included in herbal formulas to support adrenal function and balance various hormones. Its adaptogenic qualities are thought to help the body cope with stress, which involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—a key part of the glandular system. In Western herbalism, licorice root has been used to support adrenal glands and to help manage symptoms of adrenal fatigue, though this diagnosis is not recognized by mainstream medicine.

On the scientific front, licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which can inhibit the breakdown of cortisol, theoretically supporting adrenal function. However, most scientific studies focus on its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastrointestinal effects rather than direct impact on the entire glandular system. There is some clinical evidence that glycyrrhizin can influence cortisol metabolism, but its use can also cause significant side effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia due to mineralocorticoid activity. Overall, while traditional use is robust, scientific validation for broad glandular support is limited and concerns about safety restrict its long-term use for this purpose.