Licorice or liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is from the latin word "liquiritia" and is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. Also known as "sweet root," licorice is known for its sweetening characteristic. Its root contains a substance that is 50 to 100 times sweeter than table sugar. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is considered to be a superior supplement, meaning there are no toxic side effects even after continued use. The Greeks used licorice as thirst quencher and to relieve swelling caused by water retention. Its roots have tremendous therapeutic properties.
Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease. This herb has long been valued as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) and expectorant (rids phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract). It is still used today for a variety of conditions, although not all its uses are supported by scientific evidence.
Licorice with the active ingredient of glycyrrhiza can have serious side effects. Another type of licorice, called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), doesn't seem to have the same side effects and is sometimes used to treat peptic ulcers, canker sores, and reflux (GERD). Whole licorice is still sometimes suggested for cough, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Topical preparations are used for eczema and other skin problems.
Licorice is used for various digestive system complaints including stomach ulcers, heartburn, colic, and ongoing inflammation of the lining of the stomach (chronic gastritis).
Some people use licorice for sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
Licorice is also used for osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), liver disorders, malaria, tuberculosis, food poisoning, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Licorice is sometimes used along with the herbs Panax ginseng and Bupleurum falcatum to improve the function of the adrenal glands, especially in people who have taken steroid drugs long-term. Steroids tend to suppress the activity of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce important hormones that regulate the body's response to stress.
Licorice is also used in an herbal form called Shakuyaku-kanzo-to to increase fertility in women with a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome. In combination with other herbs, licorice is also used to treat prostate cancer and the skin disorder known as eczema.
Some people use licorice as a shampoo to reduce oiliness in their hair.
Among its many properties are; Glycyrrhizin, (the most beneficial of its components,) phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) flavonoids (antioxidants) magnesium, silicon and thiamine.
Licorice root is an efficient expectorant, helping to loosen and eject mucus and phlegm. It is also an anti-inflammatory, and helpful in soothing problems in the mouth and throat, as well as the digestive and urinary tracts.
Licorice has been used to treat all kinds of problems, including food poisoning, stomach and liver complaints, bronchitis, allergies. Acid reflux, eczema and psoriasis. Also asthma, athlete's foot, canker sores, depression, dandruff and fungal infections. Not to mention gingivitis and other gum disease, tooth decay, Lyme disease, psoriasis, shingles, TB, gout, enlarged prostate and arthritis. To name but a few.
Licorice root boosts interferon levels, thus helping the immune system. It is also a powerful anti-viral, combating as well as protecting from viruses. It has been used effectively in fighting herpes simplex virus, which causes herpes and cold sores.
In Europe it is used regularly to combat viral hepatitis. In intravenous form, it is used to treat hepatitis B and C. Of course this would only be done by a professional physician.
Yeast infections, funghi and bacteria, are also treated effectively with this root.
Ulcers of the digestive tract and stomach are also treated by licorice root, as it stimulates cell growth in the linings, increases the flow of blood to the tissues, and decreases muscles spasm.
PMS and menopause problems are often helped by licorice root, too as the phyoestogens it contains, act in a similar way to oestrogen.
Licorice root has earned a reputation as an excellent tonic for the liver, as well as being called a harmonising herb, as when mixed with other herbs, it will enhance their benefits, making them more efficient, while at the same time adding sweetness to the often bitter taste of medicinal herbs.
The antioxidant properties of this root help in protecting against cancer.
Peptic ulcers -- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is often suggested as a treatment for stomach ulcers, although evidence as to whether it works is mixed. A few studies have found that DGL and antacids helped treat ulcers as well as some prescription drugs. However, since antacids were combined with DGL, it's not possible to know how much of the benefit came from DGL alone. One animal study found that aspirin coated with licorice reduced the number of ulcers in rats by 50%. (High doses of aspirin often cause ulcers in rats.) In one study, licorice root fluid extract was used to treat 100 patients with stomach ulcers (86 of whom had not improved with conventional medication) for 6 weeks. Ulcers disappeared in 22 of these patients; 90% of participants improved. Other studies have found that DGL had no effect on peptic ulcers in humans.
Canker sores (Apthous ulcers) -- One small study found that the majority of people with canker sores who gargled 4 times per day with DGL dissolved in warm water found pain relief.
Eczema -- In one study, licorice gel, applied topically, helped relieve symptoms of itching, swelling, and redness. A gel with 2% licorice was more effective than a gel with 1% licorice.
Dyspepsia (indigestion, GERD) -- Some preliminary studies suggest that a specific herbal formula containing licorice, called Iberogast or STW 5, may help relieve symptoms of indigestion or GERD. This herbal formula also contains peppermint and chamomile, two herbs often used for indigestion.
Upper respiratory infections (cold, cough) -- Licorice is a traditional treatment for cough and asthma. Studies have shown mixed results as to whether it is effective.
Other -- One human study found that a preparation of licorice may reduce body fat. Fifteen people of normal weight consumed licorice for 2 months (3.5 g a day). Body fat was measured before and after treatment. Licorice appeared to reduce body fat mass and to suppress the hormone aldosterone; however, participants retained more water. Another study found that a topical preparation of glycyrrhetinic acid (a component of licorice) was able to reduce the thickness of fat on the thigh in human subjects. A third study found that people who took 900 mg of licorice flavonoid oil daily for 8 weeks experienced significant decreases in body fat, body weight, body mass index, and LDL cholesterol levels. More studies are needed to say if licorice really helps reduce fat. In addition, taking licorice long term has a number of health risks.
People who regularly take large amounts of licorice (more than 20 g/day) may raise blood levels of the hormone aldosterone, which can cause serious side effects, including headache, high blood pressure, and heart problems. For people who already have high blood pressure or heart or kidney disease, as little as 5 g/day can cause these side effects. Further studies are needed.
Licorice products are made from peeled and unpeeled dried root. There are powdered and finely cut root preparations made for teas, tablets, and capsules, as well as liquid extracts. Some licorice extracts do not contain glycyrrhizin. These extracts are known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), and do not seem to have the undesired side effects of other forms of licorice. Some studies suggest DGL may be better for stomach or duodenal ulcers. DGL may offer protection against ulcer formation when taken with aspirin.
You can buy extracts in your health food store, which are available with or without glycyrrhizin. With this component, would mainly be used in respiratory infections. Without, used mostly for ulcers and digestive complaints. As well as extracts you can buy capsules, and powdered root preparations for infusions.
Licorice can be taken in many forms. The root itself can be chewed, or crushed in boiling water as an infusion. This infusion when cooled, can be used as a gargle, for sore throats or canker sores, (warm rather than cold) Licorice gel, topically applied, soothes itching, swelling and redness of skin.
Crushed licorice root, mixed with peppermint and chamomile, makes a good remedy for indigestion, and also acid reflux.
Pediatric
Older children who have a sore throat can chew a piece of licorice root or drink licorice tea. The appropriate dose of tea for a child should be determined by adjusting the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the appropriate dose of licorice would be 1/3 of the adult dosage. Don't give a child licorice tea for more than a day without talking to your doctor. Never give any licorice tea to an infant or toddler.
Adult
Licorice can be taken in the following forms:
Dried root: 1 - 5 g as an infusion or decoction (boiled), 3 times daily
Licorice 1:5 tincture: 2 - 5 mL, 3 times daily
Standardized extract: 250 - 500 mg, 3 times daily, standardized to contain 20% glycyrrhizinic acid
DGL extract: 0.4 - 1.6 g, 3 times daily, for peptic ulcer
DGL extract 4:1: chew 300 - 400 mg, 3 times daily 20 minutes before meals, for peptic ulcer
Don't use these doses of licorice for longer than a week without talking to your doctor, because of the risk of potentially dangerous side effects.
Safety:
Licorice is LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in amounts found in foods.
It is POSSIBLY SAFE when consumed in larger amounts use as medicine, short-term.
However, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in large amounts for more than four weeks. Consuming 30 grams or more of licorice daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including high blood pressure, low potassium in the blood, weakness, paralysis, and occasionally brain damage in otherwise healthy people. In people who eat a lot of salt or have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, as little as 5 grams per day can cause these problems.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take licorice.
Use of any licorice product is not recommended for longer than 4 - 6 weeks.
People with the following conditions should not take licorice:
Heart failure
Heart disease
Fluid retention
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Side Effects:
Licorice with glycyrrhizin may cause serious side effects. Too much glycyrrhizin causes a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, which can cause a person to become overly sensitive to a hormone in the adrenal cortex. This condition can lead to headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks. It may also cause water retention, which can lead to leg swelling and other problems.
Although the most dangerous effects generally only occur with high doses of licorice or glycyrrhizin, side effects may occur even with average amounts of licorice. Some people experience muscle pain or numbness in the arms and legs. To be safe, ask your health care provider to monitor your use of licorice.
Other side effects of licorice use includes tiredness, absence of a menstrual period in women, headache, water and sodium retention.
Some side effects of licorice use for long periods or at high doses may lead to high blood pressure, low levels of potassium in the blood, and other problems. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: headache, swelling hands/feet, sudden unusual weight gain, muscle cramps/pain/weakness, irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, trouble breathing, severe tiredness.
A very serious allergic
reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical
attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the
face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
People who chew tobacco flavored with licorice might develop high blood pressure and other serious side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and
breast-feeding: It is UNSAFE to take licorice by mouth if
you are pregnant. It might cause a miscarriage or early delivery.
Not enough is known about the safety of licorice during
breast-feeding. Don't use licorice if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding.
High blood pressure:
Licorice can raise blood pressure. Don't consume large amounts of it
if you have high blood pressure.
Heart disease:
Licorice can cause the body to store water, and this can make
congestive heart failure worse. Licorice can also increase the risk
of irregular heartbeat. Don't consume licorice if you have heart
disease.
Hormone-sensitive
conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer,
endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Licorice might act like
estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made
worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use licorice.
A muscle condition
caused by nerve problems (hypertonia): Licorice can cause the
level of potassium to drop in the blood. This can make hypertonia
worse. Avoid licorice if you have hypertonia.
Low potassium levels
in the blood (hypokalemia): Licorice can lower potassium in the
blood. If your potassium is already low, licorice might make it too
low. Don't use licorice if you have this condition.
Kidney disease:
Overuse of licorice could make kidney disease worse. Don't use it.
Surgery: Licorice might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking licorice at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use licorice without first talking to your doctor:
Ace inhibitors and diuretics -- If you are taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or diuretics for high blood pressure, do not use licorice products. Licorice could interfere with the effectiveness of these medications or could worsen possible side effects. ACE inhibitors include:
Captopril (Capoten)
Benazepril (Lotensin)
Enalapril (Vasotec)
Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Gosinopril (Monopril)
Ramipril (Altace)
Perindopril (Aceon)
Quinapril (Accupril)
Moexipril (Univasc)
Trandolapril (Mavik)
Digoxin -- Because licorice may dangerously increase the risk of toxic effects from digoxin, this herb should not be taken with this medication.
Corticosteroids -- Licorice may increase the effects of corticosteroid medications. Talk to your doctor before using licorice with any corticosteroids.
Insulin or drugs for diabetes -- Licorice may have an effect on blood sugar levels.
Laxatives -- Licorice may cause potassium loss in people taking stimulant laxatives.
MAO inhibitors -- Licorice may make the effects of this class of antidepressant stronger.
Herbs that affect the heart
Using too much licorice can decrease potassium in the body. This can damage the heart. Using licorice with herbs that can damage the heart might make this effect worse. Herbs that might damage the heart include digitalis, lily-of-the-valley, pheasant's eye, and squill.
Stimulant laxative herbs
Using too much licorice can decrease potassium in the body. Herbs that have a stimulant laxative effect can also lower potassium in the body. Using licorice along with these herbs can increase the risk of lowering potassium levels too much. Stimulant laxative herbs include aloe vera, alder buckthorn, European buckthorn, cascara sagrada, castor oil, rhubarb, and senna.
Grapefruit juice
Drinking grapefruit juice when taking licorice might increase licorice's ability to cause potassium depletion.
Salt
Licorice use can increase sodium and water retention and increase blood pressure. Also, eating a lot of salt can make the side effects of licorice even worse.
The following doses have
been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For upset stomach: A specific combination product containing licorice (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc) and several other herbs has been used in a dose of 1 mL three times daily.
What do other people think of licorice? Read our licorice reviews and find out.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars SOOTHES STOMACHE, March 06, 2009
From Virginia
my stomache would get so "tight" feeling that I felt nervous and even had difficulty swallowing!!!.. from the first dose of just one capsule on an EMPTY stomache..you feel immediately relaxed and soothed... not placebo effect, I wish my mind could do that! but ive been suffering a YEAR with countless supplements for my stomache..this one is supposed to build up the protective muscous layer back onto your stomache and heal ulcers! well its been 3 days.. I notice the effects!!! I do OPEN the capsule..and just mix it with little bit water maybe 2-3 ounces.... and just drink it.. you wont believe how SWEET it is!!! youd never even use an unhealthy chemical sweetener..such as aspartame or sucralose.... when you can use something natural..its very sweet! so I was thinking about that as well.... using it as a sweetener..one capsule would fully sweeten a cup of hot tea or just about anything... like cereal or baking with it who knows...it dissolves and is yummy.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars adrenal fatigue help, September 16, 2008
From Australia
This product has been great for my adrenal fatigue and is helping me wean off hydro cortisone as a treatment. I feel much better after a couple of weeks.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Helping me survive adrenal fatigue, March 14, 2010
From Great Britain
This has been helping me survive my low adrenal secretions/adrenal fatigue over the last 4 months. It makes a definite and marked difference. You have to measure to find the level that's right for you. Too low and I get back aches and poor, light sleep. Too high and I also get poor - deep and very short sleep. The amount I currently take is 7 caps after breakfast. I don't take this with milk as Dr Baschetti advised. I tried that by breaking and disolving the caps in milk, but it works just as well taken once after breakfast as capsules. One other point: I recently learned that my adrenal fatigue may be due to very poor glucose metabolism and accompanying chromium deficiency. Apparently these 2 factors could really overwork the adrenals. Given my family history that will be worth investigating. So basically I'm using licorice to manage my symptoms while continuing to search for root the cause of my exhausted adrenals.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars For lower throat and stomach, October 30, 2008
From Florida
The licorice root has helped to heal my throat and stomach and just after two weeks of daily use. I was taking the capsules twice daily and now I'm taking them once a day. Thanks
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Adrenal support, October 20, 2007
From Texas
Great help with low blood pressure, MS, and adrenal fatigue
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars LIcorice, July 22, 2008
From Florida
My doctor recommended taking licorice for thyroid support. I have been taking licorice for 4 years now and I feel it has help me.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Low blood pressure, October 17, 2007
By christina thomas From Texas
I had my thyroid removed and since then my blood pressure is always quite low which equals low energy level, being that licorice root can raise blood pressure i started taking it and was surprised at how much my energy level has gone up.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Read my review for the full information - POSITIVE !, February 22, 2010
From Canada
I'm very satisfied with this Licorice Root. It has successfully fight the Herpes Virus. I've done some research on dosages, and anyone who takes this much not take more than 200mg daily, for a prolonged period of time. I would personally recommend splitting the capsule in four dosages, or preferably in three if you are able to figure out how to do it. Taking licorice root has downsides, for instance your body will retain salt/sodium, there for you must cut back very seriously on salt while taking this. Your body may also retain fluids (fluid retention). For those who have high blood pressure, it is highly inadvisable to take licorice root, and it might also be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor - hopefully they'll have the adequate knowledge.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars For CFS and Adrenal probs, March 04, 2010
By Chris Sharpham From Australia
This is great for CFS and Adrenal problems / low blood pressure. It keeps cortisol from being broken down in the liver, therefore keeps it active in your blood stream longer giving you better levels through the day. I have CFS and adrenal insufficiency. Before diagnosis i was crashing, but kept myself going for a whole year before going on hydrocortisone. Could not have gone that long without licorice. Dont take if u have high Blood pressure as this retains sodium and raises it.
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