What is licorice root?
Licorice is a perennial plant (that just mean a plant that can liver longer than two years) that is often found in Asia and the Mediterranean areas. It has long been used in traditional medicine for a host of issues. As a medicinal herb it should be approached with caution and thorough assessment to make sure it is a good option for treating your PCOS.
Licorice root is commonly used as a flavoring agent in candy, tea, and other products. It's use in PCOS is related to a compound found in licorice root: glycyrrhizin.
Some studies have suggested that licorice may have anti-androgenic properties, meaning it can reduce the levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, in the body. Since PCOS is associated with higher levels of androgens, licorice has been investigated as a potential treatment for the condition.