Licorice

Licorice (US) or liquorice (UK) is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, from which a sweet flavor can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a legume (related to beans and peas) and native to southern Europe and parts of Asia.

Christopher Allison writes in "Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China":

"Licorice is very sweet and contains glycyrrhizic acid which is fifty times sweeter than sugar. It helps support the adrenal glands and stimulate the excretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex.

It has also been shown to have estrogen activity in animal studies and may be used to stabilize the menstrual cycle when coming off of 'the Pill.' It is excellent for the lungs and spleen.

It has been used for coughs, sore throat, asthma, stomach and duodenal ulcers, hepatitis, hysteria and food poisoning.

It is also known to be a good antioxidant."

Medicinal Properties

According to Leslie Taylor in "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs", Licorice is:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antispasmodic
• Demulcent (soothes internal membranes)
• Estrogenic
• Expectorant
• Pectoral

Traditional and Modern Uses

Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D, writes in "Herbal Tonic Therapies":

"Licorice can be recommended for just about everybody, for male and female alike, young and old, well or sick. It is the grand tonic of the world, in this author's opinion.

For that reason, I recommend it as an important tonic in the maintenance of the musculoskeletal system.

The amazing anti-inflammatory actions of licorice root extend to the entire surface area of the body, both outside and inside. Not only the skin, but the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract yield to the soothing and healing action of licorice root.

The plant reinforces the body's ability to withstand attack from virtually any kind of pathogen, and should therefore be considered a tonic for the musculoskeletal system.

If one is looking for a broad-spectrum tonic to protect, maintain health, and heal injuries, there is no herb better than licorice root."

James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., write of Liquorice in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing":

"Beneficial for hypoglycemia, bronchitis, colitis, diverticulosis, gastritis, stress, colds, nausea, and inflammation.

Cleanses the colon, promotes adrenal gland function, decreases muscle or skeletal spasms, and increases the fluidity of mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes.

Has estrogen-like hormone effects; changes the voice.

Studies show licorice root stimulates the production of interferon.

Warning: Do not use if you have high blood pressure."

Penelope Ody states in "The Complete Medicinal Herbal":

"The root contains glycrrhizin, 50 times sweeter than sucrose, which encourages the production of hormones such as hydrocortisone.

This helps to explain its anti-inflammatory action and also its role in stimulating the adrenal cortex after steroid therapy.

The root can help heal gastric ulceration and is also a potent expectorant."

Toxicity

According to Wikipedia:

Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be toxic to the liver and cardiovascular system, and may produce hypertension and edema.

There have been occasional cases where blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn. Most cases of hypertension from liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy. Doses as low as 50g daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.

The European Commission 2008 report suggested that “people should not consume any more than 100mg of glycyrrhizic acid a day, for it can raise blood pressure or cause muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches or swelling, and lower testosterone levels in men.”

Haribo, manufacturer of Pontefract cakes, stated: “Haribo advises, as with any other food, liquorice products should be eaten in moderation.”

A 56-year-old Yorkshire woman was hospitalized after liquorice overdose ( 200 grams a day)," which caused muscle failure. The hospital restored her potassium levels, by intravenous drip and tablets, allowing her to recover after 4 days.

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