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

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Synopsis

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

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history in traditional medicine, including systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. Its use for gout is primarily based on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific validation. Historically, licorice root has been valued for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, and in some traditional formulations, it is used to support the body’s response to inflammatory conditions, including joint pain and gout. The proposed mechanism is that licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which may exert mild anti-inflammatory effects and modulate immune responses, theoretically providing relief from gout symptoms.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of licorice root for gout is limited and mostly indirect. While some laboratory studies suggest licorice components can inhibit certain pro-inflammatory pathways, there are no well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy for lowering uric acid levels or treating acute gout attacks. Most modern guidelines do not recommend licorice for gout management. Additionally, excessive use of licorice can lead to serious side effects, such as hypertension and electrolyte imbalances, which outweigh any unproven benefits for gout. Therefore, its application for this condition remains primarily grounded in tradition, with minimal scientific backing.

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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
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Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
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Colic (adults)
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Congestion
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Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
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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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Hangover
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Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
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Poison Ivy or Oak
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