Historical or traditional
use: Licorice has a long and highly varied record of uses. It was and remains
one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Among the most consistent
and important uses were as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) in the digestive and
urinary tracts, to help with coughs, to soothe sore throats, and as a flavoring. It has
also been used to treat conditions ranging from diabetes to tuberculosis to Hot flashes.
Active constituents: The
two most important constituents of licorice are glycyrrhizin and the flavonoids.
Glycyrrhizin is anti-inflammatory and inhibits the breakdown of the cortisol produced by
the body.1 2 It also has antiviral properties. Licorice flavonoids, as well as
the closely related chalcones, help digestive tract cells heal. They are also potent
antioxidants and work to protect the cells of the liver.
| How much
should I take? A licorice preparation without the glycyrrhizin circumvents
certain potential safety problems as explained below. The result is known as
deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which is used for conditions of the digestive tract,
such as ulcers. For best effects, one 200-300 mg tablet is chewed three times per day
before meals and before bed. For mouth ulcers 200 mg of DGL powder can be mixed with 200
ml warm water, swished in the mouth for three minutes, and then spit out. Licorice may
also be taken as a tincture in the amount of 2-5 ml, three times daily. For respiratory
infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, or topically for herpes, extracts containing
glycyrrhizin should be used. Encapsulated licorice root capsules can be used, 5-6 grams
per day. Alternatively, a tea can be made by boiling 1/2 ounce of root in 1 pint of water
for fifteen minutes, drinking two to three cups of this per day. Long-term internal use of
high doses of glycyrrhizin-containing products should be attempted with caution and under
the supervision of a nutritionally oriented doctor. Licorice creams or gels can be applied
directly to herpes sores three to four times per day. |
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Product Recommendations |
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Licorice root contains a
saponin-like glycoside, glycyrrhizin (glycrrhizic acid) and has historically been used for
a variety of female disorders and also as an expectorant and antitussive in treatment of
respiratory tract infections and asthma. It is believed to reduce estrogen while
increasing progesterone and is used for this reason by Dr. Michael Murray in his clinical
practice. Licorice has a steroid component that can change to the estrogen precursors
estradiol and estrone, and it can therefore provide mild estrogenic properties.
Glycyrrhizin has a regulatory action over estrogen metabolism, i.e. when estrogen levels
are too high it inhibits estrogen action, and when estrogen is too low, glycyrrhizin
potentiates it. This is a useful factor for many female hormonal problems, including PMS.
Licorice is considered a powerful
drug that is useful in treating a number of conditions, such as peptic ulcers, malaria,
abdominal pain, insomnia and infection. This herb’s uses have been substantiated by
modern research, and it is generally considered very safe in moderate doses.
German health authorities consider maximum doses of up to 100 mg of glycyrrhizin (the
major active component of licorice) a day acceptable and safe. However, it should not be
taken for more than 4-6 weeks without medical advice.
Are there any side effects
or interactions? Licorice products without the glycyrrhizin removed may
increase blood pressure and cause water retention. Some people are more sensitive to this
effect than others. Long-term intake of products containing more than 1 gram of
glycyrrhizin (which is the amount in approximately 10 grams of root) daily is the usual
amount required to cause these effects. As a result of these possible side effects,
long-term intake of high levels of glycyrrhizin are discouraged and should only be
undertaken if prescribed by a qualified health care professional.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice extracts do not cause
these side effects because there is no glycyrrhizin in them.
Special United Kingdom Considerations: Licorice is
either not available or may require a prescription. Please check with your nutritionally
oriented physician.
References:
1. Steinberg D, Sgan-Cohen HD, Stabholz A, et al.
The anticariogenic activity of glycyrrhizin: Preliminary clinical trials. Isr J Dent
Sci 1989;2:153-7
2. Soma R, Ikeda M, Morise T, et al. Effect of glycyrrhizin on cortisol metabolism in
humans. Endocrin Regulations 1994; 28:31-4.
