Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice (various)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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): 1

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for a variety of ailments, including as a general anti-inflammatory and harmonizing agent. However, its use specifically for tension headaches is based more on traditional practices than robust scientific evidence. In TCM, licorice is sometimes included in herbal formulations intended to address symptoms associated with headaches, but it is rarely the primary ingredient and is often added to balance or moderate the effects of other herbs.

Scientific studies directly examining licorice for tension headaches are lacking. Most modern research on licorice focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastrointestinal effects. There is some indirect rationale for its use: licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially addressing the inflammation that may accompany some headache types. Nevertheless, clinical trials specific to tension headaches are not available, and the evidence remains weak.

In summary, while licorice’s use for headache (tension) has traditional roots, especially as part of broader herbal combinations, there is minimal scientific evidence to specifically support its efficacy for this condition.

More about Licorice (various)
More about Headache (tension)

Products containing Licorice (various)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.