The Health Benefits of Licorice Root

Licorice root is used to treat a variety of aliments, and is one of the most powerful herbs. Licorice root is so strong, it can aid menstrual cramps, sooth bronchial spasms for asthmatics, protect the stomach lining from excess acid, heal duodenal ulcers, help to coat the stomach and esophagus, sooth irritated tissue in the stomach, help with chronic coughs, and much more. Licorice root is found in some forms of black licorice candy, sold as tea, and in pill and tablet form. Licorice root is a wonderful herb, but there are some cautions when taking it.

In excess, Licorice root can raise blood pressure and cause arrhythmia. It may not be safe for the kidneys and liver in high doses, and should not be taken by people who have problems with their kidneys or liver. It can also adversely affect potassium levels in the body. It should not be taken by pregnant women, or when taking the medicine coumadin , blood pressure lowering drugs, estrogen, digoxin, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, corticosteroids, diuretics, insulin, laxatives, MAO inhibitors, and medicines for diabetes.

In small doses it is very affective, but may not be suitable for everyone due to adverse affects. There is a good alternative just as effective for certain ailments. There is a chewable tablet version of Licorice called DGL, or deglycerized licorice, with no known side effects. Individuals may be sensitive to it as well, and should take small amounts of the chewable form to see how they feel. This version of licorice has the Glycyrrhiza glabra removed from the root, making it around 97 percent better than regular licorice extract in regard to adverse effects. Always consult with your health care provider before trying licorice.

Names: Gan Cao, Kan-ts'ao, Kuo-lao, Licorice, Licorice Root, Ling-t'ung, Liquorice, Mei-ts'ao, Mi-kan, Mi-ts'ao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood, Yasti Madhu.

Intrinsic Properties: Anti-allergic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, estrogenic (mild), expectorant.

Used for:

Addison's disease, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, athlete's foot, baldness, bronchitis, bursitis, canker sores, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, chronic fatigue, colds, colitis and intestinal infections, conjunctivitis, coughs, dandruff, depression, duodenal-ulcers, emphysema, exhaustion, fibromyalgia, flu, fungal infections, gastritis, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, hay fever, heartburn, hepatitis, inflamed gallbladder, liver disease, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, spleen disorders, tendinitis, throat problems, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, yeast infections. Licorice root is great for relieving heartburn and indigestion. It may help to increase bile flow and lower cholesterol. Licorice root taken by women experiencing severe pre-menstrual syndrome, and for women going through menopause, may lessen the symptoms experienced during hormonal fluctuations.

Interesting fact:

Black licorice candy is widely eaten in Europe, as both a treat and for medicinal purposes.

References: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-licorice-root.html