Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the health condition: Menstruation (scant)

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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, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, licorice is commonly included in herbal formulas to "harmonize" other herbs and to support various aspects of women's reproductive health, including scant menstruation (oligomenorrhea). Its traditional use for scant menstruation is often tied to its classification as a "Qi-tonifying" and "moistening" herb, believed to invigorate the spleen and replenish fluids, which are thought to be important for healthy menstrual flow.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting licorice root for the treatment of scant menstruation is limited. Some studies have explored its effects on hormone levels due to active compounds like glycyrrhizin, which can influence cortisol and possibly estrogen metabolism, but these effects are not well characterized in the context of menstrual regularity or flow. There is also concern that licorice root, through its mineralocorticoid-like effects, could potentially disrupt hormonal balance if used excessively.

Overall, while licorice root's use for scant menstruation is justified by traditional practices and historical texts, there is a lack of robust clinical trials or scientific consensus supporting its efficacy for this specific condition. As such, the evidence rating is low (2/5), reflecting reliance on tradition rather than validated clinical outcomes.

More about licorice root
More about Menstruation (scant)

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
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Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
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Cirrhosis of the Liver
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Congestion
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Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
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Cough (damp)
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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
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Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
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Lungs (fluid in)
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Menstruation (scant)
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Mononucleosis
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