Licorice is an herb which has a taste 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar and has numerous medicinal uses. It is an anti-inflammatory that has steroid-like actions, an expectorant, and it is directly antiviral. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DHL) includes a soothing component often used for intestinal irritations, stomach, throat, and urinary irritations. Licorice is also a mild laxative. Licorice is best used in combinations rather than as a single herb. Learn about licorice’s medicinal uses and safety considerations before consuming the herb.

Personal Story

My dad loves licorice candy! It is one of the sweet treats we had occasionally as children. I didn’t know it was made from a plant that had medicinal qualities or that you needed to be careful not to take in too much. As an herbalist, I have learned to drink a tea blend that includes licorice if I get a sore throat or need other types of body support.

Medicinal Uses

There are a wide variety of medicinal uses for licorice. Here are a few of them:

• Adrenal Insufficiency or fatigue- helps the tone and function of the adrenal glands
• Anxiety- aids the body’s healing from chronic anxiety and stress
• Bronchitis- soothes lung tissues
• Congestion- used like an expectorant to clear excess mucous from the lungs by altering the viscosity of mucus or improving the cough reflex
• Coughs- reduces the amount or severity of coughing
• Digestion- protects the gastric lining of the stomach
• Eczema- as a nutritional supplement and topical licorice cream
• Herpes simplex- topical application
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome- soothes tissues of the intestines
• Immune system- its glycyrrhizic acid has immune-boosting properties
• Laryngitis- soothes tissues
• Psoriasis- topically tames the autoimmune inflammatory reaction
• Reflux/GERD- some people take it a few times a day in the DGL form for a short time
• Rheumatoid Arthritis- anti-inflammatory properties
• Sore Throat- soothes tissues
• Ulcers- “Studies have shown that DGL reduces inflammation and is as effective as prescription drugs for gastric ulcers, without the side effects.”² 
• Urinary tract inflammation- soothes tissues

If nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used regularly for pain relief, DHL extract is helpful to help prevent possible ulcer formation and gastric irritation that is associated with the use of these drugs.

Safety

Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, is Class 2b, meaning it is not to be used during pregnancy; Class 2c, not to be used while breastfeeding; and Class 2d, not for prolonged use or in high dose except under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Licorice is also contraindicated for diabetics, and those with hypertension, liver disorders, severe kidney insufficiency, or hypokalemia. It may potentiate potassium reduction of diuretics and laxatives, as well as the action of cortisol and cardiac glycosides. LICORICE SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR MORE THAN 4-6 WEEKS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE.

Licorice candy can be enjoyed in moderation (less than two ounces per day). Candy can contain glycyrrhizin, which can cause the body’s potassium levels to decrease which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, lethargy, swelling, and congestive heart failure.

Action

Licorice is a widely used herb that, when taken following safety precautions, can help support and restore many body functions.

Resources:

1. https://www.anniesremedy.com/glycyrrhiza-glabra-licorice-root.php

2. http://www.naturalnews.com/024440_licorice_ulcers_inflammation.html#ixzz1szJQp2O8

3. Herbal Antivirals, by Stephen Harrod Buhner

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Do you like licorice?