Licorice root is identified as a key botanical for eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

• A. Ginger
• B. Chamomile
• C. Aloe vera
• D. Licorice root

Answer: (B)

Licorice root is favored for eczema because it contains compounds that both dial down inflammation and help modulate immune reactions in the skin. In eczema, the skin’s inflammatory pathways are overactive, leading to redness, itching, and barrier disruption. Licorice root’s active constituents—most notably glycyrrhizin and related flavonoids—can inhibit key inflammatory enzymes and signaling molecules, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators like cytokines. This dampens the inflammatory response and can lessen itching and swelling.

It also has anti-allergic properties, meaning it can help temper hypersensitive immune responses that contribute to eczema flares. This combination—lowering inflammatory signals and moderating allergic responses—fits well with the needs of eczema-prone skin, where both irritation and immune reactivity play roles.

Other botanicals such as chamomile or aloe vera offer soothing and mild anti-inflammatory effects, but licorice root is especially noted for its dual anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic actions. Use is typically topical or in carefully prepared extracts to avoid systemic effects; ingesting large amounts of licorice can affect electrolyte balance and blood pressure, so stick to appropriate topical applications or professionally formulated products.