Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice (various)
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache

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Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, primarily as an anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and soothing agent for various ailments. In the context of ear infections or earaches, licorice is rarely a direct treatment but may be included in herbal formulas aimed at reducing inflammation or supporting immune response. There is limited documentation of its specific use for ear infections in traditional texts; however, its general anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects are cited as reasons for occasional inclusion in herbal ear drops or poultices in folk medicine.

From a scientific standpoint, there is insufficient evidence to support licorice as an effective treatment for ear infections or earaches. While some studies have shown that licorice root extracts possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, these findings have not been directly linked to clinical effectiveness in treating otitis media or other ear conditions in humans. No well-designed clinical trials have evaluated licorice as a primary or adjunctive therapy for ear infections. Thus, the use of licorice for ear infections remains primarily traditional, based on theoretical benefits rather than rigorous scientific validation.

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