Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain

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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, primarily for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and harmonizing properties. In the context of afterbirth pain—discomfort experienced by women after childbirth due to uterine contractions—licorice root is sometimes included in herbal formulations. In TCM, it is used as a harmonizing agent in formulas that target pain, inflammation, and cramping, which can encompass afterbirth pain, although it is rarely the primary agent for this specific symptom. The evidence for its efficacy in this context is largely anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than robust clinical trials.

Scientifically, licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects in laboratory studies, suggesting a plausible mechanism for pain relief. However, there are no high-quality clinical trials directly supporting licorice root’s use for afterbirth pain in postpartum women. Most of the evidence is extrapolated from its general effects on muscle cramps and inflammation. Furthermore, licorice root can have significant side effects, such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalance, especially with prolonged use or high doses, making its use during the postpartum period potentially risky without medical supervision. In summary, licorice root’s use for afterbirth pain is primarily justified by traditional use, with limited scientific support for this specific application.

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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)
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Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
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Crohn's Disease
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Endometriosis
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Epstein Barr Virus
Estrogen (low)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
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