Licorice Root - Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice is native to SE Europe and SW Asia. The part used is the root. The key constituents in licorice root are triterpene saponins 6% (glycyrrhizin), flavonoids (isoflavones: liquiritin, isoliquiritin, formononetin), polysaccharides, sterols, and coumarins.

Licorice root is popular in Europe for its anti-inflammatory properties. Besides being anti-inflammatory, licorice root is traditionally used as an expectorant, demulcent, laxative, and adrenal agent. It is antiviral and antibacterial¹, anticancer², and hepatoprotective³.

Licorice root may reduce stomach secretions, and it produces a protective mucus which may help inflammatory stomach conditions. It has traditionally been used to help with mouth sores, oral thrush, peptic ulcers, gastritis, chest complaints, skin problems, constipation, and inflamed eyes. It has isoflavones that may produce an estrogenic effect and ease menopause symptoms.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 2 ml 2x day.

Side effects: Skin irritation when used topically. May interact with warfarin.

Contraindications: Do not use it while breastfeeding. Do not use it if you have hypertension or serious heart or kidney conditions.

¹Gupta VK, Fatima A, Faridi U, et al. Antimicrobial potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots. J Ethnopharmacol. Mar 5, 2008;116(2):377-380.

²Jo EH, Hong HD, Ahn NC, et al. Modulations of the Bcl-2/Bax family were involved in the chemopreventive effects of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell. J Agric Food Chem. Mar 24, 2004;52(6):1715-1719.

³Huo HZ, Wang B, Liang YK, et al. Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Licorice Extract against CCl(4)-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rats. Int J Mol Sci. 2011;12(10):6529-43.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.