(Glycyrrhiza glabra) Licorice root benefits primarily include help for bronchial problems, coughs, hoarseness, mucous congestion, and similar issues. It can also be taken for stomach conditions, such as peptic ulcers and bladder and kidney ailments. When added to bitter tonics, licorice roots make them more palatable and help balance the herbal formula.
It is excellent for all kinds of stomach and intestinal ulcers. It fights inflammation and viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. It is specific for colds, flu, and lung congestion and is frequently added to cough syrups. It cleanses the colon, reduces muscle spasms, and increases mucus fluidity in the lungs and bronchial tubes.
It is a mild laxative and is effective for children and older people. It helps to inhibit plaque formation and prevents bacteria from sticking to tooth enamel. For hoarseness and throat problems, combine it with sage, ginger, horehound, and coltsfoot.
Licorice Root Benefits
- Parts used: Root.
- Medicinal properties: Demulcent, expectorant, laxative, alterative.
- What it affects: Lungs, stomach, intestines, spleen, and the liver.
Licorice root is helpful for allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, emphysema, depression, enlarged prostate, fever, herpesvirus, hypoglycemia, and glandular infection. Combine licorice root powder with other herbs for children’s throat and lung problems. Use it for inflammatory bowel conditions, premenstrual syndrome, and menopausal symptoms.
A strong decoction makes a good laxative for children and may help reduce fever. Add it to other herbal remedies (and even drug medications) to make them taste better. Use it for upper respiratory tract infections. It protects against atherosclerosis.
Licorice root stimulates interferon production and may help inhibit the replication of HIV. Evidence suggests it may prevent hepatitis C from causing liver cancer and cirrhosis. Licorice extract has been shown to have activities similar to cortisone and, to a lesser extent, estrogen. It induces the adrenal cortex to produce more significant amounts of cortisone and aldosterone.
Glycyrrhizin, a chemical in licorice, has a chemical structure similar to human steroid hormones. Three other herbs (ginseng, wild yam, and sarsaparilla), which combine well with licorice, also have hormone-like substances. In Europe, licorice is used to help people with ulcers to recover.
NOTE: Licorice candy is useless because of its white sugar content and because it primarily consists of anise, not licorice.
In Europe, forms of this (Wild Licorice, glycyrrhiza lepidota) are used in Germany for gastric and duodenal ulcers and upper respiratory tract congestion. Chinese research finds it better than codeine for these conditions. It is also used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, bronchial asthma, and coughs.
Wild licorice is an extensively used herb in Chinese herbal prescriptions. It is used to detoxify potentially poisonous drugs. However, it is not used in Germany for more than 4 to 6 weeks because more extended use can increase blood pressure.
WARNING
Licorice should not be used by persons with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, or those who have had strokes. It should not be taken by those with severe menstrual problems or who are pregnant. It should not be used over seven days; for it can result in elevated blood pressure, even in those with low or normal blood pressure. In addition, extended use can result in water retention or low potassium levels.
Preparation and Dosage
- Decoction: Let simmer for 5 to 15 minutes and take one tablespoon as needed.
- Tincture: Take 30 to 60 drops (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) two to 3 times daily.
- Fluid extract: ½ to one teaspoon, 2 to 3 times daily.
- Syrup: Take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon as needed.
- Powder: Take up to 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) daily.
Health Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational uses only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult an authorized healthcare provider for any health concerns before using any herbal or natural remedy. We do not establish, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Reliance on any material from this website is solely at your own risk. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information or products mentioned on this website.
REFERENCES
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 166, 167.
- Morgan, A. G., Pacsoo, C., & McAdam, W. A. (1983). Comparison of the effects of cimetidine and deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric and duodenal mucosa and on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced gastropathy in arthritic patients. Gut, 24(4), 319-324.
- PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- National Institutes of Health website https://www.nih.gov