Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the body system: Thymus
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, where it is considered to benefit the immune system and overall vitality. In TCM, licorice is thought to "harmonize" herbal formulas and support Qi, which is sometimes interpreted as supporting immune function. The thymus is a central organ of the immune system, particularly important in T-cell development, and herbs deemed "immune-supportive" are sometimes associated with thymic function by extension.
However, there is little direct scientific evidence linking licorice root specifically to thymus health or function. Most modern research on licorice root focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and adaptogenic properties, as well as its effects on the adrenal glands and cortisol metabolism. While some studies have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects of licorice constituents (notably glycyrrhizin), these are generally not specific to the thymus. Thus, the use of licorice root to support the thymus is based primarily on traditional beliefs about its general immune-enhancing properties rather than on targeted clinical or experimental research. The evidence supporting its use for the thymus, in particular, is weak, meriting a low rating.
Other body systems supported by licorice root
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Blood
Cortisol
Digestive System
Estrogen
Eustachian Tubes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Gums
Immune System
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Lymphatics
Mucus Membranes
Ovaries
Pituitary
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Solar Plexus
Specific Hormones
Spleen
Stomach
Sympathetic Nervous System
Teeth
Thymus
Thyroid Gland
Tonsils
Uterus
Vagina
Vocal Cords
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