Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Crohn's Disease

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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 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for a variety of gastrointestinal complaints, including inflammation and ulcers. Its use for Crohn's Disease specifically is primarily rooted in these traditional practices rather than robust modern scientific validation. In TCM, licorice is believed to harmonize the effects of other herbs and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Some practitioners recommend licorice root, particularly in the form of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), for its soothing effects on mucous membranes and perceived ability to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. There are laboratory and animal studies suggesting that licorice and its constituents (such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids) have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. However, clinical research specifically examining licorice root in Crohn's Disease patients is extremely limited. Most available studies are preclinical or focus on related conditions such as gastritis or peptic ulcers. As such, while there is a plausible mechanism for benefit and a long history of traditional use for gut inflammation, there is insufficient high-quality human evidence to support licorice root as an effective treatment for Crohn's Disease. Patients should also be aware of potential side effects, such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalance, particularly with long-term or high-dose use.

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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
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Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
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Chicken Pox
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Cirrhosis of the Liver
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Colic (adults)
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Congestion
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Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
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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
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Goiter
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