Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it is considered a harmonizing herb in many herbal formulas. In TCM, licorice is sometimes included in formulas intended to support the heart and spirit, which are associated with emotions like grief and sadness. For example, licorice is an ingredient in classic formulas like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, traditionally used for symptoms interpreted as emotional distress, such as anxiety, restlessness, or sadness. However, these uses are based on holistic energetic theories rather than modern clinical evidence.

There is currently no robust scientific validation for using licorice root to treat or support grief or sadness, as defined in contemporary psychological or psychiatric terms. No clinical trials or pharmacological studies directly support licorice's efficacy for mood disorders or emotional distress. The traditional rationale is often related to licorice's reputed harmonizing or adaptogenic properties, but these concepts do not translate directly into the treatment of grief or sadness as understood in modern medicine. Therefore, while licorice’s use in this context is rooted in traditional practice, the evidence to support its effectiveness is minimal by contemporary scientific standards.

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