The Benefits of Using Licorice Root Poultices for Soothing Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea
Millions globally suffer from skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. These issues frequently lead to discomfort, redness, itching, and potential long-term skin damage, driving many to seek both gentle and effective treatments. While topical treatments like salves, creams, and balms are common for managing these conditions, a beneficial option that is often overlooked is the herbal poultice.
Poultices offer natural, low-risk ways to manage these inflammatory skin issues. This post explores why poultices, especially ones made from licorice root, work well and how you can use them safely for skin health.
What Is a Poultice and Why Use Them for Skin Conditions?
A poultice is a soft, moist mass of plant material applied directly to the skin. It acts as a natural compress that delivers healing compounds while protecting the skin. Here are some benefits of using a poultice for eczema:
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Targeted treatment: The poultice stays in place, focusing the licorice root benefits for skin exactly where needed.
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Gentle and natural: Unlike some chemical treatments, a poultice avoids harsh ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.
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Hydrating effect: The moisture in the poultice helps keep the skin hydrated, which supports repair and reduces itching.
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Poultices offer deep relief: Since they are applied thickly and left on the skin for a prolonged time, the herbal ingredients penetrate the skin more deeply than a topical cream or salve.
Licorice Benefits For Skin
Licorice root contains several active compounds, including glycyrrhizin and glabridin, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and support healing. When applied as a poultice, licorice root delivers these benefits directly to the affected area. Other licorice benefits for skin include:
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Anti-inflammatory effects: Licorice root extract for skin reduces swelling and soothes irritation. Using a licorice root poultice for inflammation provides relief by cooling and calming the skin, and reducing flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
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Antimicrobial properties: It helps inhibit bacteria and fungi that can worsen acne and other skin infections.
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Skin brightening: one well studied health benefit of licorice root includes reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone, which is helpful for acne scars and discoloration from psoriasis.
Using a poultice allows the skin to absorb these herbal compounds slowly and deeply, enhancing their soothing effectiveness compared to creams or lotions.
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Skin Condition |
Licorice Root Benefit |
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Acne |
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Eczema |
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Psoriasis |
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Rosacea |
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Additional Licorice Uses for Skin Care
Beyond poultices, licorice root oil and other extracts are popular in many skincare products. These forms offer similar benefits but may contain added ingredients. Using a poultice ensures you get a pure, concentrated dose of licorice root benefits for skin without additives.
Licorice skin care is also valued for its antioxidant effects, which protect skin from environmental damage and premature aging.
Safety and Precautions
Licorice root is generally safe for topical use, but some precautions apply:
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Avoid using on broken or severely damaged skin.
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Perform a patch test before full application to rule out allergic reactions.
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Discontinue use if you begin to notice signs of skin sensitivity.
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Consult a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about herbs if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health conditions.
How to Prepare and Apply a Licorice Root Poultice
Making a licorice root poultice at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
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Dried licorice root powder, like Ora’s Licorice Love waterless face cleanser.
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Warm water or herbal tea (such as chamomile or green tea)
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A clean cloth or gauze
Steps
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Mix licorice root powder with enough warm water or tea to form a thick paste.
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Spread the paste evenly on a clean cloth or gauze.
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Apply the poultice gently to the affected skin area.
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Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes.
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Rinse the skin with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Repeat this process once or twice daily for best results. Be sure to always spot test a small skin area first to check for sensitivity.
Final Thoughts on Licorice Root Poultices for Skin Health
A licorice root poultice offers a natural, effective, and low-risk way to manage common inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties make it a valuable addition to skin care routines focused on soothing and calming irritated skin.
If you’d like to learn more about the Amazing benefits of licorice, check out our blog post, Amazing Benefits of Licorice In Skincare!
About the Author: Dorothy Miguel is a licensed massage therapist, certified Chinese herbalist, and Chinese medicine specialist. She graduated from Myotherapy College of Utah in 2010, then got her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Academy for Five Element Medicine. She is the owner of Happy Cat Pain & Stress Relief in Tallahassee, FL. As a mom of two kids with special needs, she is passionate about helping busy moms recharge their internal batteries and become more resilient to stress.
About Ora’s Amazing Herbal: Ora’s Amazing Herbal creates natural, herbal infused skincare for the whole family. We strive to empower women through self care, one minute at a time (because let’s be honest, as moms- often a minute is all we have)! Our current line includes salves, powders, body oils, body butters, face oil serums, powder facial cleansers, beard & hair oils, lip balms, and herbal steams. We also have a natural baby care line which includes gentle newborn and baby salves, powders, and baby oil. We use high quality, non-gmo, fair trade oils and organic herbs to create skin care that is both pure and effective. Our products are crafted in small batches in New Jersey and are free from talc, grain, lanolin,chemical preservatives, synthetic dyes & fragrances, parabens, and animal testing. We also have a huge focus on sustainability, eco-friendly packaging, and kindness to the world around us. If you’d like to learn more, please check out our website: OrasAmazingHerbal.com.
