Herbal Profile: Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Common Names: Licorice, Sweet Root, Gan Cao (Chinese)

Family: Fabaceae

Parts Used: Root and rhizome

Description: Licorice root is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The root is long and cylindrical, with a brown outer layer and yellowish interior. It has a sweet taste due to the compound glycyrrhizin, which is about 50 times sweeter than sugar.

Active Constituents:

  • Glycyrrhizin: A saponin glycoside responsible for the sweet taste and many of the medicinal properties.
  • Flavonoids: Including liquiritin and isoliquiritin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Isoflavones: Such as glabridin, known for estrogen-like effects.
  • Coumarins, polysaccharides, and other compounds.

Medicinal Properties:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in various conditions, including arthritis and digestive disorders.
  • Demulcent: Soothes and protects irritated tissues, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Expectorant: Assists in the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract, making it useful for colds and bronchitis.
  • Adrenal Support: Helps to modulate cortisol levels, supporting adrenal function and reducing stress.
  • Antiviral: Shows activity against certain viruses, including herpes simplex.

Health Benefits:

  • Digestive Health: Helps with conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, and acid reflux by coating the stomach lining.
  • Respiratory Health: Eases coughs and sore throats, and helps clear mucus.
  • Hormonal Balance: May benefit women with menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms due to its phytoestrogen content.
  • Immune Support: Enhances overall immune function and may help in managing autoimmune conditions.
  • Skin Health: Used topically for eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Usage:

  • Tea/Infusion: Dried root can be boiled to make a tea.
  • Extracts and Supplements: Available in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms.
  • Topical Applications: Creams and ointments for skin conditions.

Dosage:

  • Tea: 1-2 grams of dried root per cup of boiling water, steeped for 10-15 minutes, up to 3 times daily.
  • Extracts: Follow manufacturer’s instructions, typically around 200-400 mg of standardized extract daily.

Safety and Precautions:

  • Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or those on medications for these conditions due to potential for increased blood pressure and fluid retention.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before use.
  • Side Effects: High doses or prolonged use can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hypertension, and edema.
  • Interactions: Can interact with medications like diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain heart medications.

Note:

  • DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice): A form of licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed, used to avoid side effects related to glycyrrhizin. Often recommended for gastrointestinal issues.

Traditional Uses:

  • Ayurvedic Medicine: Known as Yashtimadhu, used for coughs, sore throat, and digestive issues.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used to harmonize the effects of other herbs and treat various conditions like peptic ulcers, fatigue, and respiratory ailments.