Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a shrub that belongs to the family of legumes growing in some parts of Asia and southern Europe. Its root is prized for its long history of natural health promoting properties for over 3,000 years. Written records revealed that famous historical figures Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar appreciated the herb’s benefits. Ancient Greece traditionally used licorice root for treatment of coughs and digestive discomforts. Native Chinese believes that licorice is a natural agent that promotes balance or harmony in the body for overall wellness.
Modern studies revealed that licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for its sweet taste and important medicinal value. Glycyrrhizin is broken down by the bacteria naturally residing in the digestive tract to produce glycyrrhetic acid, which is its more absorbable and active form. Scientists believe that glycyrrhetic acid inhibits the actions of a family of enzymes called short-chain dehydrogenase reductase (SDRs) in the gastrointestinal tract. This mechanism increases the mucus in the lining if the stomach to make it more resistant against the damage from overacidity.
Licorice Benefits
- Licorice is primarily used to prevent and heal gastric ulcers. The effects of licorice on strengthening the gastric lining by producing more mucus helps prevent acid from creating ulcers. Studies have shown that it also possess ulcer-healing properties.
- Other digestive discomforts in which licorice have shown benefits for include heart burn, dyspepsia, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Licorice root is a natural remedy for canker sores. Some experts recommend the use of adhesive patch applied with licorice root extract to reduce the size of canker sores and speed up healing process.
- Licorice root extract is a powerful anti-viral agent. It fights off different viruses affecting the respiratory tract like flu, and hepatitis for the liver. Also, licorice has been shown to stop the herpes simplex virus from causing herpes infection.
- Dieticians suggest licorice for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, and other health conditions due to low levels of the hormone cortisol.
- Licorice root extract has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It may aid the treatment of arthritis, asthma, eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, and sensitive skin. Licorice functions as an alternative to the synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs which often suppresses the immune system. Additionally, licorice was shown to prolong the effects of cortisol, the adrenal hormone which also reduces inflammation.
- Licorice can be used to improve the tastes of other herbs when used together. Currently, it is also used as a flavouring agent for candies and some beverages.
Licorice Side Effects
There have been few reports of licorice side effects taken in prescribed doses, including weight gain and allergic reactions. High licorice doses taken for extended period of time may cause high blood pressure, hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood), paralysis, and weakness.
Possible Drug Interactions
Licorice root extract may interact with certain medications like digitalis, diuretics, laxatives, corticosteroids, and blood-thinning drugs. If you are taking warfarin, digoxin, estrogens, furosemide, captopril, and other drugs belonging to the categories mentioned, consult your doctor prior to taking licorice extract.
It should not be taken by patients diagnosed with high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, and liver problems. Pregnant and lactating women are also not advised to take licorice supplements.
