Licorice
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Other Names: Acide Glycyrrhizique, Acide Glycyrrhizinique, Alcacuz, Alcazuz, Bois Doux, Bois Sucré, Can Cao, Chinese Licorice, Deglycyrrhized Licorice, Gan Cao, Gan Zao, Glabra, Glycyrrhiza, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza glabra typica, Glycyrrhiza glabra violacea, Glycyrrhiza glabra glandulifera, Glycyrrhiza Radix, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhizae, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Glycyrrhizinic Acid, Isoflavone, Jethi-Madh, Kanzo, Lakritze, Licorice Root, Liquiritiae Radix, Liquirizia, Mulathi, Mulethi, Orozuz, Phytoestrogen, Phyto-œstrogène, Racine de Réglisse, Racine Douce, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Régalissse, Regaliz, Reglisse, Réglisse, Réglisse Déglycyrrhisée, Réglisse Espagnole, Réglisse Russe, Regliz, Russian Licorice, Spanish Licorice, Subholz, Sussholz, Sweet Root, Yashtimadhu, Yashti-Madhu, Yashti-Madhuka, Zhi Gan Cao.
Liquorice or licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra from which a somewhat sweet flavor can be extracted. Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a legume and member of the Fabaceae, or pea family.
See also : Chinese Liquorice
Special Precautions of Liquorice :
- Do not use if you have hypertension, hypokalemia edema, cirrhosis of the liver, cholestatic liver disorder, and diabetes.
- Long-term use of licorice can lead to fluid retention, increased blood pressure, loss of potassium and lowered libido as it contains isoflavones (phytoestrogens). It might lower the amount of serum testosterone slightly.
- Although the glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) in Licorice fights the effects of hepatitis, you should avoid Licorice root if you have chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, or any disease that impedes the flow of bile from the liver.
- licorice may reduce levels of the hormone testosterone in men. After one week of treatment with licorice, testosterone levels decreased 26%.
- Pregnant women should not use licorice at medicinal doses. There is a danger of high blood pressure or of a hormone imbalance that would harm the fetus.
- Anyone with a heart problem should use licorice only under medical supervision. Potassium depletion caused by licorice is especially hazardous for such patients. Anyone with pre-existing hypokalemia (low potassium) should not take licorice.
- People with kidney Diseases, especially the elderly, may be at increased risk of side effects from this herb.
- Gallbladder Disease and cirrhosis are considered contraindications for licorice.
- Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium levels in the body to fall. When that happens, some people experience abnormal heart rhythms, as well as high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure.
- Contains Coumarin.
- Drug Interaction : The sweetening compound glycyrrhizin in black licorice may reduce the effects of some blood pressure drugs or urine-producing drugs including Hydrodiuril (hydrochlorothiazide) and Aldactone (spironolactone). It may increase the toxicity risks from Lanoxin (digoxin), used to treat congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.
The benefits of Liquorice are:
Licorice is a powerful antiviral containing 10 antioxidants, 25 fungicidal and 9 expectorant compounds. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it occurs in more formulas than any other single herb because it is thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs.
- Licorice acts similar to cortisone – without the side effects. Cortisone has been known to reduce inflammatory processes by decreasing swelling and pain. However, it has also been known to suppress the function of the immune system, making the one receiving it more prone to sickness. With licorice, you get the same anti-inflammatory effect minus the immune system suppression. But consult a professional herbalist before you decide to take licorice on a long-term basis. Long-term use may increase one’s blood pressure levels.
- as a traditional treatment for gastric and duodenal ulcers.
- as a laxative; to adjust blood sugar, reduce pain from ulcer and arthritis.
- Steep licorice root and blend with herbal teas to treat gastric disorders and to stimulate the kidneys and bowel.
- The compound glycyrrhizic acid, found in liquorice, is now routinely used throughout Japan for the treatment and control of chronic viral hepatitis.
- as a topical antiviral agent for shingles, ophthalmic, oral or genital herpes
- Licorice powder has been used externally to treat genital herpes and Cold Sores (herpes simplex virus). It is said to strengthen the nerves, promote the memory, and help in cases of Liver Diseases.
- In herbalism it is used in the Hoxsey anti-cancer formula, and is a considered adaptogen which helps reregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It can also be used for auto-immune conditions including lupus, scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and animal dander allergies.
- Useful in irritable conditions of mucous memberane of Urinary organs. Useful in Sore Throat, cough, Anorexia Nervosa and persistent low fever.
- Recent studies indicate that glycyrrhizic acid disrupts latent Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS)
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is part of a traditional Chinese herbal mixture that is considered effective for psoriasis.
- Expectorant and anti-inflammatory, licorice makes an excellent remedy for persistent coughs and lung infections. Licorice is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat and especially the lungs and stomach and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support. . It reduces the irritation in the throat and yet has an expectorant action. It is the saponins (detergent-like action) that loosen the phlegm in the respiratory tract, so that the body can expel the mucus. Compounds within this root help relieve bronchial spasms and block the free radical cells that produce the inflammation and tightening of the air ways. The compounds also have antibacterial and antiviral effects to them as well which helps fight off viral and bacterial strains in the body that can cause lung infections.
- Bronchitis: Mix 5 grams of powdered licorice root with raw honey and take up to three times per day. The herb may also be chewed directly.
- The herb is also said to reduce the incidence of asthma attacks.
- Lung Cancer : Glycrrhizins and flavonoids can even help prevent lung cancer cells from forming which means they can even prevent lung cancer.
- Tea made from licorice and blended with other anti-spasmodic herbs is often recommended for menstrual cramps.
- Detox: In certain Asian countries, licorice is used to rid the body of poisons such as salmonella or as an antidote to overuse of drugs.
- One of its components, glycyrrhizin, assists in blocking the breakdown of cortisol, giving it the ability to raise the levels of cortisol in the body; hence, making it capable of fighting chronic fatigue syndrome and stress
- The phytoestrogens have the same effects as that of mild estrogen which is the best defense against pre-menstrual syndrome and other discomforts caused by menstruation and menopausal. In addition, this sweet root can help ease the symptoms that accompanies pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal such as bloating, the swelling and tenderness of the breast, and irritability.
- Not only is licorice an adaptogen and strong anti-viral, but it can also be used specifically in the treatment of Barrett's Esophagus.
- Adrenal Fatigue : Licorice is known to stimulate the production of the adrenal cortex hormone called cortin which is essential for helping your body cope with mental and emotional stress
- Demulcent properties.
- Addison's Disease : Research showed that licorice appeared to be successful in reversing the effects of Addison’s disease (Davis 1991). With advances in scientific research in the 1980s, it was found that a chemical compound, called glycyrrhetinic acid, present in licorice causes changes in adrenal steroid metabolism, resulting in increased levels of corticosterone in animals and cortisol in humans (Davis 1991).
- Eczema : rubbing black licorice on the skin can relieve eczema.
