Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Licorice
For the health condition: Amenorrhea

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Synopsis

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

Chinese Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a harmonizing agent in herbal formulas, including those intended to support menstrual health and address amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). In TCM, licorice is believed to tonify the qi, moisten the lungs, and moderate the effects of other herbs in multi-herb prescriptions. It is rarely used as a stand-alone herb for amenorrhea but rather as part of complex formulas such as "Si Wu Tang" or "Ba Zhen Tang," which may include licorice to harmonize and enhance the effects of blood-nourishing herbs.

However, there is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting the use of Chinese licorice specifically for amenorrhea. Most modern pharmacological research on licorice focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and adaptogenic effects, as well as its impact on cortisol metabolism. While licorice contains phytoestrogens and may influence hormonal balance, clinical studies directly linking licorice or licorice-containing formulas to the resolution of amenorrhea are lacking. Therefore, its use for this condition is justified primarily by historical and traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation.

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