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

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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 medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for treating various skin conditions, including infections and inflammation. The traditional justification for using licorice root in impetigo revolves around its reputed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In ancient and folk remedies, poultices or topical preparations containing licorice root have been applied to wounds, ulcers, and infected skin to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

From a mechanistic perspective, licorice root contains glycyrrhizin and other flavonoids, which have demonstrated some antimicrobial effects in laboratory studies. However, specific clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of licorice root for impetigo (a highly contagious bacterial skin infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes) are lacking. Most of the evidence supporting its use is anecdotal or based on extrapolation from its general antibacterial properties observed in vitro.

Overall, while licorice root is traditionally used for skin infections and has components with antimicrobial properties, there is insufficient clinical evidence to recommend it as a primary or adjunct treatment for impetigo. Modern treatment still relies on topical or oral antibiotics with proven efficacy. Licorice root may play a role in folk or complementary approaches, but its use for impetigo remains primarily tradition-based rather than scientifically validated.

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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
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
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Colic (adults)
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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)
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Hangover
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Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
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Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
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Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
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Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
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Mononucleosis
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Oral Surgery
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Pertussis
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PMS (general)
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Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
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