Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Eczema

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

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), Ayurveda, and various folk remedies. In these traditions, licorice root is valued for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and demulcent properties. It has been used topically and internally to treat inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis). The active compound glycyrrhizin is believed to contribute to these effects by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation.

Modern scientific evidence supporting the use of licorice root for eczema is limited, but there are a few small clinical studies and laboratory investigations. Some topical formulations containing licorice extract have shown modest benefits in reducing redness, itching, and swelling in mild eczema cases. For example, a small randomized controlled trial found that a 2% licorice gel improved symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis compared to placebo. However, these studies are limited in size and quality, and larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Oral licorice supplements are not widely recommended due to potential side effects, such as increased blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, especially with long-term use.

In summary, licorice root's use for eczema is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, with some preliminary scientific support for topical applications, but its effectiveness is not yet robustly validated by high-quality clinical research.

More about licorice root
More about Eczema

Other ingredients used for Eczema

aloe vera
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
bacillus coagulans
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black cumin
borage oil
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
coating
coconut milk
colostrum
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
evening primrose oil
forsythia
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gotu kola
heartwood
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoferrin
lauric acid
licorice root
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
marine lipid
marshmallow
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
perilla
phellodendron amurense
plantain
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
streptococcus thermophilus
thyme
triphala
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
dodder
fern
sweetgums
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
polyphenols
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bacteria
Borage
Bifidobacteria
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Colloid
Cocoa Butter
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Castile Soap
Costus
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Goldthread
Little ironweed
Mallow
Orchid
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Sumac
Zucchini

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)
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pleurisy
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Sore Throat
Ulcers