Licorice: Natural Herbal Solutions

Did you favor black jelly beans as a child? If so, you’ll likely enjoy licorice tea or chewing on licorice root. Historically, licorice root extract flavored black licorice and similar candies. While modern licorice candy often uses anise oil for its unique taste, the root remains highly valued as both a flavoring and a medicinal herb, widely utilized in the food and wellness sectors. Licorice grows wild but is also cultivated extensively to meet the high demand for this versatile plant.

Applications of Licorice

Licorice is employed to address a wide range of health issues. In Chinese medicine, it is revered as a harmonizing agent and is incorporated into many herbal blends. It helps alleviate coughs, reduce inflammation, heal stomach ulcers, regulate blood sugar, and balance hormones. Licorice is effective in treating canker sores and cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. As a powerful antiviral, it combats flu, herpes, and hepatitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties also enhance the flavor of other herbs, making it a staple in numerous therapeutic applications.

Recent studies have highlighted licorice's effectiveness in healing ulcers. Unlike common ulcer medications like cimetidine, licorice doesn't drastically lower stomach acid levels. Instead, it strengthens the stomach lining's resistance to acid by promoting the protective actions of mucosal tissues. Licorice boosts mucosal defense by enhancing mucus production, prolonging the lifespan of intestinal cells, and improving blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract. This strengthens the stomach lining and minimizes acid-related damage. An Irish study even found that licorice extract outperformed Tagamet in relieving symptoms for many ulcer patients.

The distinct sweetness of licorice comes from glycyrrhizin, a saponin glycoside. (Glycyrrhizin is 30 to 60 times sweeter than sugar.) This compound also has anti-inflammatory properties, making licorice useful for treating inflammation in the lungs, intestines, and skin. Glycyrrhizin helps extend the presence of cortisol, an adrenal hormone that reduces inflammation. By prolonging cortisol's activity, licorice naturally aids in alleviating inflammatory conditions.

Many anti-inflammatory drugs are synthetic versions of cortisol, used to manage conditions like asthma, arthritis, bowel disease, and eczema by suppressing the immune system and preventing inflammation. Licorice, however, doesn't suppress the immune system like pharmaceutical steroids. Both licorice and synthetic cortisones can cause similar side effects, such as weight gain, fluid retention, and potentially high blood pressure. If you're using cortisone, prednisone, or similar steroids, consult a naturopathic or knowledgeable physician to explore alternative treatments. Continue reading for warnings and preparation tips regarding licorice.For more on managing common health issues at home, check out these links:

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medication applications based on this content. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Before trying complementary therapies, including natural or herbal remedies, note that many lack scientific validation. Combining these remedies with over-the-counter or prescription drugs can lead to severe reactions. Limited information may be available regarding their safety and efficacy. Ensure practitioners are licensed by recognized organizations and adhere to professional standards. Always consult your primary healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.

Licorice Preparations and Warnings

As with all medicinal herbs, certain precautions should be observed before using licorice for therapeutic purposes.

Licorice Forms and Dosage Guidelines

Licorice is available in various forms, including capsules, dried roots, and tinctures, as well as in processed forms like elixirs and syrups. Dosages vary widely: small quantities are used for flavoring and harmonizing herbal blends, while larger amounts—up to 3 or 4 cups daily—are employed during ulcer flare-ups or irritable bowel episodes. Herbalists typically recommend licorice as part of a blend with other herbs rather than as a standalone remedy. Consult an herbalist to determine the right dosage for your needs.

Potential Side Effects of Licorice

Licorice can elevate blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, even if it’s managed with medication, it’s best to avoid medicinal use of licorice. Those without high blood pressure typically don’t experience this effect. In rare cases, licorice may cause bloating or fluid retention, but this usually happens with excessive doses, such as more than five cups of tea daily, or prolonged use of smaller amounts over several months. Pregnant individuals should avoid licorice entirely.

For more insights on managing common health issues at home, explore the following links:

Jennifer Brett, N.D. is the director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport and a faculty member at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A renowned expert in her field, Dr. Brett specializes in treating various conditions using nutritional and botanical therapies. She has been featured on WABC TV (NYC) and Good Morning America to discuss the benefits of herbs for health. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medication applications based on this information. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Before trying complementary therapies, including natural or herbal remedies, note that many lack scientific validation. Combining these remedies with over-the-counter or prescription drugs can lead to severe reactions. Limited information may be available regarding their safety and efficacy. Ensure practitioners are licensed by recognized organizations and adhere to professional standards. Always consult your primary healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.