Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in various traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these systems, licorice root is valued for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and harmonizing properties. In the context of headaches, especially tension-type headaches, licorice root has been used traditionally as part of multi-herb formulas meant to address underlying imbalances believed to cause pain, such as inflammation or stress. However, there is minimal direct historical evidence specifically supporting its use as a primary remedy for headaches. Most references to licorice for headache relief are indirect, citing its ability to reduce inflammation or act as an adaptogen to reduce stress, which can be contributing factors to tension headaches.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence supporting licorice root for the treatment of tension headaches. Some studies have noted its anti-inflammatory and cortisol-modulating effects, which could theoretically influence headache triggers. However, clinical trials specifically assessing licorice root for headache relief are lacking. The bulk of current support comes from traditional use and extrapolation from its broader anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic effects. Therefore, while licorice root is sometimes included in traditional headache remedies, its direct efficacy for tension headaches is not scientifically validated, and the traditional evidence is weak and mostly indirect.

More about licorice root
More about Headache (tension)

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

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