Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Hiatal Hernia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for supporting digestive health, including symptoms associated with reflux and gastritis. Hiatal hernia itself is a structural condition—where part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity—but its most common symptoms overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn and irritation of the esophageal lining. Licorice root is reputed in traditional systems (such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) to soothe mucous membranes and support healing of the gastrointestinal tract. The form known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is especially popular in Western herbalism for managing symptoms associated with acid reflux and mild esophagitis, which are often present in hiatal hernia sufferers.

However, the direct scientific evidence supporting licorice root for hiatal hernia specifically is limited; most studies focus on its effects on peptic ulcers and GERD symptoms. Some small clinical trials and in vitro studies suggest that DGL may help improve mucosal defenses and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating discomfort from reflux. These actions could theoretically benefit those with hiatal hernia who experience reflux-related symptoms, but robust, targeted clinical trials are lacking. Overall, licorice root's use for hiatal hernia is primarily supported by tradition and anecdotal reports, with modest scientific support for symptom relief in related digestive conditions.

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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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Appetite (deficient)
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Colic (adults)
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Congestion
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Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
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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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Hangover
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Hiatal Hernia
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