Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Abscesses

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these traditions, licorice root is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and harmonizing properties. Historically, it has been used both internally and topically to help with various skin conditions, including abscesses, boils, and ulcers. The rationale is that licorice root helps "clear heat" and "detoxify," concepts corresponding loosely to reducing inflammation and fighting infection.

Scientific evidence directly supporting licorice root for abscess treatment is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin and glabridin, which can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and reduce inflammation. However, these findings are mostly from in vitro (test tube) or animal studies; there are no robust clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for abscesses in humans. Topical herbal preparations containing licorice are sometimes suggested in alternative medicine, but this is based more on tradition than on hard scientific evidence.

In summary, licorice root's use for abscesses is primarily traditional, with some minor laboratory evidence supporting its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but there is no strong clinical validation for its use in this specific condition.

More about licorice root
More about Abscesses

Other ingredients used for Abscesses

activated charcoal
aloe 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 root

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
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