Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Anal Fistula or Fissure

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and inflammatory conditions. Its application in the management of anal fistula and fissure is primarily based on its historical reputation for soothing mucous membranes, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. In Ayurveda, licorice root is often included in herbal formulations intended to "cool" the body and heal tissue injuries, including those affecting the anorectal region. The anti-inflammatory and demulcent (soothing) properties are thought to help reduce pain, irritation, and promote healing of fissures and fistulas.

However, the direct scientific evidence supporting the use of licorice root specifically for anal fistula or fissure is limited. Most available evidence comes from in vitro studies or animal models showing that licorice extract may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Few, if any, robust clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy for these specific conditions in humans. Thus, while there is a traditional basis for its use and some supportive pharmacological rationale, the scientific validation remains weak. Caution is advised, as long-term or excessive use of licorice can lead to side effects such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalances.

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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)
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)
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Halitosis
Hangover
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Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
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Hiatal Hernia
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Itching
Itching Ears
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Leaky Gut Syndrome
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Liver Detoxification
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Lyme Disease
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Mononucleosis
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Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
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Oral Surgery
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Pertussis
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PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Sore Throat
Ulcers