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

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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, particularly in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbal traditions. For conditions like mononucleosis—commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)—licorice root has been used primarily due to its reputed antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Historical texts and herbal compendia note its use for “sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue,” which are hallmark symptoms of mononucleosis. Some of these traditional uses are based on the root’s soothing effect on mucous membranes and its general support for convalescence after viral illnesses. While laboratory (in vitro) studies have demonstrated that certain compounds in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin, possess antiviral activity against various viruses, including EBV, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials directly supporting its effectiveness for treating mononucleosis in humans. Most evidence remains anecdotal or derived from animal studies and cell cultures. Thus, licorice root’s use for mononucleosis is justified more by tradition than robust scientific validation. However, its historical popularity and the plausible antiviral mechanisms provide some rationale for its inclusion in herbal protocols, as long as it is used cautiously due to potential side effects, such as increased blood pressure and interactions with other medications.

More about licorice root
More about Mononucleosis

Other ingredients used for Mononucleosis

ginger
lactoferrin
licorice root
vitamin C
zinc

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)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
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)
Halitosis
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
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Hypotension
Hypothyroid
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
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Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
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Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
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Measles
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mood Swings
Morning Sickness
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Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
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Night Sweating
Nocturnal Emission
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pertussis
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PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Sore Throat
Ulcers