Chinese Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is considered a harmonizing herb and is often included in formulas to "tonify Qi" and support multiple body systems, including what TCM practitioners identify as the "adrenal" or "kidney" system. Historically, licorice root has been believed to replenish energy, alleviate fatigue, and combat stress, which are symptoms traditionally associated with "adrenal weakness" or exhaustion.

In modern herbalism, these traditional uses have been mapped onto the concept of adrenal support, particularly in situations described as "adrenal fatigue"—a term not widely recognized within mainstream medical science. The root contains glycyrrhizin, which can inhibit the breakdown of cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. While some laboratory and animal studies suggest that glycyrrhizin may prolong the action of endogenous cortisol and modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, robust clinical evidence in humans for supporting adrenal function or treating adrenal insufficiency is lacking. Most modern use for "adrenal support" is therefore based on tradition and extrapolation rather than direct scientific validation.

In summary, Chinese Licorice's role in supporting the adrenal cortex is justified primarily by its extensive traditional use and some plausible pharmacological mechanisms, but not by strong clinical evidence.