Licorice

Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Family: Fabaceae

Folk Names: Alcacuz, duogastrone, sweet root, sweet wood.

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DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Part of the Plant Used

Root and Stolon – Harvest in Autumn

Native to Europe, Asia and Egypt, licorice root has been used medicinally for a plethora of conditions. It’s also a flavoring agent in common edibles such as candy and tea. The plant itself sports small, pointy leaves and flower clusters in shrub like form.

CONSTITUENTS

• Triterpenoid saponins (glycyrrhizin)
• Flavonoids
• Amines
• Polysaccharides
• Coumarins
• Resin
• Volatile oils

Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids, triterpenoids, linans, phytochemicals, saponins for anti-inflammatory, stress relief, immune stimulating, expectorant, antiviral, blood purification, among other benefits.

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

• Anti inflammatory
• Mucoprotective
• Demulcent
• Antiulcer (peptic)
• Adrenal tonic
• Expectorant
• Antitussive
• Mild laxative
• Anti cariogenic
• Anti androgenic

Clinical: Bronchitis, coughing, mucus membrane inflammation, respiratory disease, stomach inflammation, ulcers. Addison’s disease, arthritis, asthma, cataracts, carries, central nervous system disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds, congestion, diabetes, Encephalitis, flu, gallbladder problems, hepatitis, herpes, HIV, indigestion, kidney disease, lichen planus, lupus, malaria, overeating, polycystic ovarian syndrome, prostate enlargement, retinopathy, sore throat, thrush, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, vaginitis, yeast infections.

Folk:  appendicitis, boils, canker sores, colic, constipation, consumption, cramps, depression, diphtheria, dizziness, ear ache, eczema, epilepsy, eye inflammation, fibromyalgia, heartburn, heart disease, hemorrhoids, kidney stones, lack of appetite, menstrual pain, oral inflammation, snakebite, tetanus, viral hepatitis. 

Energetics: Very sweet, neutral & moist.

HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

• Cholestatic liver disorders or liver cirrhosis
• Hypertension
• Hypokalaemia
• Severe kidney insufficiency (Commission E)

Most side effects and warnings are due to the hormonal changes licorice root can cause. Electrolyte disturbances, fluid retention, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis, irregular heart beat, heart attack, kidney damage, muscle weakness have been noted. Take caution in clients with congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, liver disease, fluid retention or edema, high blood pressure, underlying electrolyte disruptances,  hormonal abnormalities or are those taking diuretics. Fertility and menstrual abnormalities may also be noted due to changes in prolactin and estrogen levels. Reduced body fat mass has also been observed with the use of licorice but weight gain is also possible.  Seizure and high blood pressure with accompanying headache, nausea, vomiting and stroke-like effects have been noted with long-term high dosages. Licorice cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Digoxin and Warfarin should not be taken with licorice. Lasix, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate drugs may interact with licorice as well as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy or testosterone therapy. There may be an increased risk of bleeding with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. Licorice may also interact with glucocorticoids, ulcer medications, interferon, or lithium. MAOI activity may worsen with licorice. 

FORMULARY

Dosage

One to 3 capsules standardized to provide 200 mg of certified-potency licorice root extract and 50 mg of glycyrrhizinic acid daily. Other daily options include 200 to 600 mg, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid extract, 2 to 4 tablespoons of fresh roots, or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid tincture three times daily. For ulcers, 380 mg of DGL 3 times Daily.

• DECOCTION: Prescribed to reduce stomach acidity in ulceration
• SYRUP: Take syrup of decoction as soothing expectorant for asthma & bronchitis

Combinations: white peony for PCOS, dysmenorrhea, infertility.

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