Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of traditional use in various systems of medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for a range of ailments. In the context of menopause, licorice has been used primarily to address symptoms such as hot flashes and hormonal imbalances. Traditional use is partly based on its phytoestrogenic compounds—plant-derived molecules that can weakly mimic estrogen in the body.

There is some preliminary scientific interest in licorice for menopause-related symptoms. A few small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that licorice extracts might help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, likely due to its phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in 2012 found that licorice root extract reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared to placebo. However, the number and scale of such studies are limited, and methodological concerns exist.

Overall, the use of licorice for menopause is primarily justified by traditional practices, with some emerging but insufficient scientific evidence. Importantly, licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause significant side effects (such as hypertension and hypokalemia) when used improperly or for extended periods. Therefore, while tradition supports its use, more high-quality research is needed before licorice can be recommended as a standard treatment for menopausal symptoms.

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