Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for treating a range of inflammatory conditions, including abscesses. In these systems, licorice is valued for its purported anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and antimicrobial properties. Historical texts often mention its use either topically or internally to help "clear heat" and "reduce toxicity," terms that can encompass infections and pus-filled lesions like abscesses.
From a scientific perspective, licorice root contains compounds such as glycyrrhizin and glabridin, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities in vitro. These properties suggest a plausible mechanism by which licorice could support abscess resolution. However, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials or robust evidence specifically evaluating the efficacy of licorice in treating abscesses in humans. Most modern research on licorice focuses on other conditions such as gastric ulcers, respiratory issues, and viral infections.
In summary, while the use of licorice for abscesses is grounded in traditional practice, scientific validation is limited and largely indirect. Its use for this purpose should be considered complementary, not a replacement for evidence-based medical treatment of abscesses, which may require antibiotics or surgical intervention.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Licorice
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addison's Disease
Adenitis
Adrenal Fatigue
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bloodshot Eyes
Boils
Bronchitis
Carbuncles
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Duodenal Ulcers
Fatigue
Gastritis
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Stress
Ulcers