Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Rashes and Hives
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of traditional use for a variety of skin conditions, including rashes and hives. In traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Greco-Roman medicine, licorice root was often applied as a poultice or ointment to soothe inflamed skin, reduce redness, and relieve itchiness. This use is largely attributed to the root’s anti-inflammatory and demulcent (soothing) properties, which were recognized centuries ago. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, is thought to help moderate immune responses and calm skin irritation.
Some modern studies have explored the topical use of licorice extracts for eczema and other dermatological conditions, and these offer preliminary support for its anti-inflammatory effects. For example, small clinical trials and laboratory studies have suggested that licorice extract may decrease redness and itching when applied directly to the skin. However, the quantity and quality of these studies are limited, and most research focuses on eczema rather than acute allergic rashes or hives (urticaria). As a result, the primary justification for using licorice root for rashes and hives remains rooted in traditional use, with only modest scientific backing at this time. More rigorous clinical studies are needed to fully validate its efficacy for these specific conditions.
Other ingredients used for Rashes and Hives
aloe verabeeswax
myrobalan
bisabolol
burdock
chamomile
cucumber
gotu kola
immunoglobin G
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
chickweed
typhonium
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
rubia cordifolia
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
morus
silk tree
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
birch
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
sea salt
akebia
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Albizia
Anserina
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bogbean
Black Poplar
Banyan
Borage
Bittersweet
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Cyathula
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Corktree
Cowslip
Chinatree
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
David's Milkberry
Dwarf Nettle
Dendramine
Emu Oil
Eupatorium
Lotus
Orchid
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
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