Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Licorice
For the health condition: Addictions (general remedies for)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Chinese Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is primarily valued as a harmonizing herb and is included in many herbal formulas. In TCM, licorice is sometimes incorporated as a supportive herb in remedies for addiction withdrawal—most commonly with opium or other substances—because it is thought to tonify Qi, relieve spasms, and reduce toxicity. However, these uses are based on traditional practice rather than scientific validation.

Scientific studies focused specifically on Chinese licorice for addiction treatment are extremely limited. Some animal and in vitro research suggests licorice components like glycyrrhizin may influence neurotransmitters or have neuroprotective effects, but there is no direct clinical evidence supporting licorice’s effectiveness in treating addiction or withdrawal symptoms in humans. Most references to licorice in addiction remedies pertain to its traditional role as a supportive or balancing herb rather than as a primary treatment. Therefore, while its use is justified by tradition, the scientific evidence is minimal and indirect at best.

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