Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Injuries
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. In these traditions, licorice root is used for its purported anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and wound-healing properties. It is often included in topical formulations, poultices, or herbal teas meant to support recovery from injuries such as bruises, sprains, or minor wounds. The rationale is based on licorice root’s ability to "harmonize" other herbs and soothe tissues. Some traditional texts specifically mention its role in reducing swelling and promoting tissue repair.
From a scientific perspective, limited in vitro and animal studies suggest that licorice root and its active constituents (such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids) possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These effects could theoretically support the body’s healing response after injury. However, there are no high-quality clinical trials directly demonstrating that licorice root accelerates healing or improves outcomes in human injuries. Therefore, while traditional use is well-established, scientific validation is lacking or indirect at best.
In summary, licorice root’s use in supporting injury recovery is primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with only weak preliminary scientific evidence supporting its potential mechanisms. Caution is advised due to possible side effects with excessive or prolonged use.
Other ingredients used for Injuries
aloe veraamino acids
bamboo
bayberry
beeswax
Indian frankincense
bovine
bromelain
chymotrypsin
collagen
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dandelion
dog rose
dyer’s woad root
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fungal protease
ginger
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
l-proline
licorice root
spruce
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
papain
protease
protein
purified silver
reishi mushroom
serratiopeptidase
silicon
trypsin
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
chaff flower
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
solomon's seal
amber
sheep's sorrel
wintergreen
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
abies spectabilis
geranium
arnica
Aralia
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
akebia
Animal Tissue
Antler
Aquilegia viridiflora
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
Agave
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
Aucubin
Anserina
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Ampelopsis
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Acemannan
Acetylsalicylic acid
Abuta
Alkanna
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Arani
Animal protein
Bee Propolis
Biopeptide
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Black-Eyed Susan
Boswellic Acid
Beef Protein
Barleria
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Bindweed
Banyan
Bletilla
Black root
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Common Monkey Flower
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Ceylon Leadwort
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
cypress
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carlina
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Connective tissue growth factor
Cocklebur
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Deer Root
Damulin A
Deer Velvet
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dianthrone
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erythropalum scandens
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elk antler
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Euphorbia
Egg protein
Elastase
Fiesta Flower
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Formosan Sweet-Gum
Ficin
Fibrinase
Frankincense
Fireweed
Four leaved grass
Genipap
Gleditsia
Glutamine
Gambir
Genipa americana
Golden Eye-grass
Giant Blazingstar
Giant Trillium
Golden Ragwort
Golden Shower Tree
Golden Willow
Guazuma ulmifolia
Oak
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by licorice root
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Adrenal Fatigue
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
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
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 (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
