Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for a variety of conditions, including digestive complaints and inflammation. In the context of hemorrhoids, licorice root has been used primarily for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Traditional applications include topical preparations or oral remedies intended to reduce swelling, discomfort, and irritation associated with hemorrhoids.
Some traditional texts and herbal compendia describe licorice root as a demulcent (soothing to mucous membranes) and mild laxative, theoretically aiding in easier bowel movements and less straining, which is crucial in managing hemorrhoids. Topical ointments containing licorice extract have been used in folk medicine to alleviate itching and burning sensations.
However, scientific evidence supporting licorice root specifically for hemorrhoids is limited. A few small studies and experimental topical formulations suggest some benefit due to the anti-inflammatory action of glycyrrhizin and other flavonoids present in licorice, but robust clinical trials are lacking. Most support comes from its general anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties rather than direct anti-hemorrhoidal effects.
In summary, while licorice root is traditionally used to support hemorrhoid treatment and symptoms, strong scientific validation is lacking. Individuals should use caution, as excessive licorice consumption can have side effects, including hypertension and electrolyte imbalances.
Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids
AbrusAcacia
Achyranthes
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Aescin
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
Angelica
anthocyanidins
anthraquinone
Antirrhinum majus
antler
apple
apple cider vinegar
apricot
Ardisia
aster root
avens
bael
Baliospermum
banyan
Barleria
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
Bergenia
betel
bilberry
bioflavonoids
birch
Black Hellebore
black nightshade
black root
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
bran
Brassica
butcher's broom
cabbage
cactus
Caesalpinia crista
capsicum
Carthamus
castor oil
Celosia
chamomile
chard
chestnut
Chinese silkvine
Chondrus
cinquefoil
citrus bioflavonoids
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut oil
colocynth
commiphora
Cucurbita
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
dandelion
Dianthus
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
Embelia
escin
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
Ficus simplicissima
geranium
gotu kola
green chiretta
hazelnut
horse chestnut
Indian coraltree
Kokilaksha
labrador tea
lemon
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
Lycopodium
Methylcellulose
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Morinda
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain Pepper
Mucilage
Myrrh
Nettle
Nimbidin
Nymphaea nouchali
Oak
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
Oroxylum indicum
pagoda tree
Papayotin
parsley
paw paw
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
peony
Persimmon
phellodendron amurense
Pluchea
plum fruit
Polygonum
Portulaca
proanthocyanidins
prune
Prunus
psyllium
punarnava
rhubarb
Rosa laevigata
Rosabin
Rubia cordifolia
Ruscogenins
Ruscus
rutin
Rutosides
Sanguisorba
Sarivan
sea salt
seaweed
Shark Liver Oil
shepherd's purse
slippery elm bark
Sumac
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Tannins
Taraxacin
Terminalia
Triphala
Troxerutin
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
Wax Gourd
Winter Begonia
Witch Hazel
Yellow Dock
Zinc
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by licorice root
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Croup
Cushing's Disease
Cytomealovirus
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Estrogen (low)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibrosis
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Addictions (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Sore Throat
Ulcers
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
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
