Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it is considered an adaptogenic herb. In these systems, "nervous exhaustion"—described broadly as fatigue, weakness, and diminished vitality due to stress or prolonged illness—has been addressed with licorice root as a component of restorative formulas. Traditional practitioners believed licorice root could "harmonize" other herbs and strengthen the body's resistance to stress by supporting adrenal function and replenishing depleted energy, often referred to as "qi" or "prana."

From a scientific standpoint, licorice root contains glycyrrhizin and other compounds that may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol metabolism, theoretically supporting the body under stress. Some preliminary studies suggest possible adaptogenic or anti-fatigue effects, but these are not robust or directly focused on "nervous exhaustion" as a clinically defined condition. There are no high-quality clinical trials specifically validating its efficacy for this purpose, and most evidence remains anecdotal or extrapolated from general adaptogenic mechanisms.

In summary, the use of licorice root for nervous exhaustion is primarily justified by traditional use, with limited scientific rationale and low-quality supportive data. Caution should be exercised due to potential side effects such as hypertension and hypokalemia with prolonged use.

More about licorice root
More about Nervous Exhaustion

Other ingredients used for Nervous Exhaustion

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