Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been traditionally used in various systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for a wide range of conditions, including gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory issues, and as a general tonic. In some traditional medical systems, licorice root is included in formulas intended to support male reproductive health or to "tonify" the body's systems, which may indirectly extend to attempts to control nocturnal emissions (involuntary ejaculation during sleep, also known as "wet dreams"). The rationale is often based on the herb's adaptogenic and hormone-modulating properties, as well as its reputed ability to nourish "jing" or vital essence in TCM.

However, there is scant direct evidence—either clinical or preclinical—that licorice root specifically prevents or treats nocturnal emission. The traditional use for sexual health is often extrapolated rather than explicitly documented for this precise condition. Modern scientific literature does not support a clear pharmacological mechanism by which licorice root would reduce nocturnal emissions. In fact, licorice can influence hormone levels, such as lowering testosterone and raising cortisol, but these effects could theoretically have mixed or even adverse impacts on sexual health.

In summary, the use of licorice root for nocturnal emission is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than scientific validation, and the direct supporting evidence is very limited, meriting a low evidence score.