Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Colon (atonic)

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these systems, licorice is often used as a harmonizing herb and as a mild laxative to help support digestive health, including cases of atonic colon (a condition characterized by reduced muscle tone in the colon, leading to constipation). The rationale for its use is based on its purported demulcent and mild laxative properties, which may help soothe the lining of the digestive tract and promote bowel movements.

Historical texts and herbal compendiums suggest that licorice root was combined with other botanicals to improve sluggish bowels or to restore tone in cases of digestive atony. However, scientific validation for this specific indication is limited. Modern research has explored licorice’s anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, and mild laxative effects, but there are few, if any, clinical studies directly evaluating its effectiveness for atonic colon. Most existing evidence is anecdotal or based on its general effects on gastrointestinal health. In conclusion, licorice root’s use for atonic colon is primarily supported by tradition and historical precedent, rather than robust modern clinical evidence.

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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)
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Bronchitis
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Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
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Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
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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
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Hair (loss or thinning)
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Headache (tension)
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Jaundice (adults)
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Lungs (fluid in)
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Mononucleosis
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Poison Ivy or Oak
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