Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice
For the health condition: Rhinitis

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Synopsis

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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, primarily for its anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and expectorant properties. In the context of rhinitis—an inflammation of the nasal mucosa often caused by allergies or infections—licorice has been included in herbal formulations to soothe mucous membranes, reduce irritation, and support respiratory health. Some traditional herbal textbooks mention licorice as a secondary ingredient in decoctions for respiratory and nasal complaints, where it is believed to “harmonize” other herbs and reduce inflammation. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting licorice for rhinitis is limited. Most modern research on licorice addresses its effects on inflammation, immune modulation, and its role as an adjunct in treating upper respiratory tract infections, rather than rhinitis specifically. A few laboratory and animal studies suggest that compounds in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin, have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that could, in theory, benefit rhinitis, but clinical studies directly examining its efficacy in rhinitis patients are lacking. Therefore, its use for rhinitis can be considered primarily traditional, with limited supportive evidence from modern research, and its effectiveness for this specific condition remains uncertain.

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