Liquorice

Licorice Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Liquorice is historically one of the most important herbs. In Chinese medicine it is classified along with Panax ginseng as a Chi (Qi) tonic. This means it is used to restore our basic energy levels and help us adapt to the stresses placed on us. However, liquorice contains chemicals that mimic the adrenal hormones and so finds a place in the treatment of adrenals totally depleted by stress.

Liquorice is also great for the treatment of viral infections such as the common cold, and because of its anti-catarrhal effect is found in many cough syrups etc. Apart from the common cold liquorice has displayed activity against Hepatitis B and a lot of work is being carried out into its anti-HIV effect.

Just to top it off liquorice was the first ever anti peptic ulcer medication and helps to heal not just stomach and duodenal ulcers but inflammation anywhere in the gut.

How much is usually taken?

There are two types of licorice, “standard” licorice and “de-glycyrrhizinated” licorice (DGL). Each type is suitable for different conditions.

The standard licorice containing glycyrrhizin should be used for respiratory infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, viral infections, or herpes (topical).

Licorice root in capsules, 5–6 grams per day, can be used. Concentrated extracts, 250–500 mg three times per day, are another option.

Alternatively, a tea can be made by boiling 1/2 ounce (14 grams) of root in 1 pint (500 ml) of water for fifteen minutes, then drinking two to three cups (500–750 ml) per day.

Long-term internal use (more than two to three weeks) of high amounts (over 10 grams per day) of glycyrrhizin-containing products should be attempted only under the supervision of a doctor.

Licorice creams or gels can be applied directly to herpes sores three to four times per day.

De-glycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

DGL is prepared without the glycyrrhizin in order to circumvent potential safety problems (see below), and is used for conditions of the digestive tract, such as ulcers. For best results, one 200–300 mg tablet is chewed three times per day before meals and before bed.

For canker sores, 200 mg of DGL powder can be mixed with 200 ml warm water, swished in the mouth for three minutes, and then expelled. This may be repeated three or four times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Licorice products that include glycyrrhizin may increase blood pressure and cause water retention. Some people are more sensitive to this effect than others. Long-term intake (more than two to three weeks) of products containing more than 1 gram of glycyrrhizin (the amount in approximately 10 grams of root) daily is the usual amount required to cause these effects.

Consumption of 7 grams licorice (containing 500 mg glycyrrhizin) per day for seven days has been shown to decrease serum testosterone levels in healthy men by blocking the enzymes needed to synthesize testosterone. However, in another study, a similar amount of licorice had only a small and statistically insignificant effect on testosterone levels.

As a result of these possible side effects, long-term intake of high levels of glycyrrhizin is discouraged and should only be undertaken if prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Consumption of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to increase potassium intake is recommended to help decrease the chance of side effects.

According to the German Commission E monograph, licorice is inadvisable for pregnant women as well as for people with liver and kidney disorders.

De-glycyrrhizinated licorice extracts do not cause these side effects since they contain no glycyrrhizin.

Drug Interactions: Always check with your GP before taking any herb alongside prescribed medications.

Don’t use: Avoid Using licorice if pregnant or breast feeding, or if you suffer from high blood pressure, or kidney disease. Avoid Using licorice if pregnant or breast feeding, or if you suffer from high blood pressure, or kidney disease.

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