Licorice Root 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Licorice Root – 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits:

Licorice in general has been used for ailments of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 3,000 years as a tonic to rejuvenate the heart and spleen and as a treatment for ulcers, cold symptoms, and skin disorders. In ayurvedic medicine, it is used internally for gastric ulcers, headaches, bronchitis, eye disease, and sore throat. Externally, it has been used for wounds and cuts. Folk medicine uses include for appendicitis and constipation, and to increase milk production. It has also been used for epilepsy. Modern herbalists commonly use licorice to treat adrenal insufficiencies such as hypoglycemia, to counteract stress, and to purify the liver and blood. This herb is also used to counteract serious allergic reactions and to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It is approved by the German Commission E for coughs and bronchitis and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

Cancer. Licorice contains a flavonoid, licochalcone-A, which has been shown to kill cancer cells of acute leukemia and of the breast and prostate. This compound works by lowering the level of bcl-2, a protein that causes resistance to anticancer drugs. More work is needed to see if licorice can be used with anticancer drugs to make them more effective. This flavonoid also may be protective against developing cancer. The most useful forms of treatment for cancer using licorice, however, are Chinese herbal formulas containing licorice and other herbs.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Epidemiologists have noted that some people who have CFS also have low blood pressure and other blood-pressure anomalies. This condition stems from adrenal-hormone deficiencies that cause the body to lose both sodium and water, resulting in drops in both blood volume and blood pressure. Licorice can reverse this process. Glycyrrhizinic acid, a chemical related to glycyrrhizin, blocks the activity of an enzyme that destroys the adrenal hormone cortisol. Higher cortisol levels in the bloodstream cause the kidneys to retain more sodium, and with it more water. This leads to higher blood pressure.

Diaper rash, skin irritations. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, and liquiritin, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is possible that licorice can ease inflammatory skin conditions to speed healing and relieve pain. Gastritis and peptic ulcer. Licorice is useful for a number of digestive disorders. It soothes inflammation and protects the stomach and intestines from the effects of stomach acid. Unlike many ulcer drugs, glycyrrhizinic acid does not reduce acid production in the stomach, which would result in incomplete digestion. Instead, it increases the stomach’s defense mechanisms by fortifying the stomach’s protective mucous coating. Glycyrrhizinic acid also increases circulation to the cells lining the intestinal wall, boosting their supply of nutrients and oxygen.

Pure glycyrrhizinic acid can cause the retention of sodium and water. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has no known side effects, is now available as well. DGL inhibits gastric-juice secretion and protects the lining of the stomach from aspirin-induced damage. Two controlled studies suggest that regular use of DGL, in the form of a product that also contains antacids, can heal ulcers as effectively as drugs in the ranitidine (Zantac) family. In one study, another compound in licorice, carbenoxolone, was administered as 300 milligrams daily for one week followed by half that amount for five more weeks. Compared to an anti-ulcer medicine called pirenzepine, both healed ulcers in about 50 percent of the patients. However, newer drugs called H2 blockers have higher success rates. In another study, participants with dyspepsia (upset stomach) who were given licorice root as the major ingredient along with other herbs such as peppermint leaves and caraway over twelve weeks showed improved symptoms by 43 percent compared to only 3 percent in the placebo group. Medical treatments try to prevent the recurrence of ulcers permanently by killing Helicobacter pylori bacteria. According to laboratory research, flavonoids in licorice appear to inhibit H. pylori, although this has not been shown in human studies to be effective. One study reported fewer recurrences of ulcers among people taking DGL as compared with those taking the drug cimetidine (Tagamet).

Hepatitis. One component of licorice, glycyrrhizin, stimulates interferon gamma produced by immune cells, which acts against viral infections. In particular, it suppresses the secretion of the hepatitis B virus surface antigens in patients with hepatitis B. The licorice compound is thought to bind to liver cells to inhibit the proliferation of the virus. Minor Bupleurum Decoction, a Chinese formula that uses licorice, is also effective against hepatitis B, particularly in children. (See MINOR BUPLEURUM DECOCTION under The Formulas.) Glycyrrhizin has been used in the treatment of hepatitis C. Using an intravenous preparation of glycyrrhizin and other compounds such as Stronger Neo-Minophagen C (NMC) was shown to improve the liver function of patients with hepatitis C and alcoholic cirrhosis. However, when treatment was stopped, the virus came back.

HIV/AIDS, cytomegalovirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In one study, when the licorice compound glycyrrhizin was given intravenously to people with AIDS, HIV became undetectable after three treatments. There is some question as to the sensitivity of the antigen tests the researchers used to test for the presence of HIV. However, the researchers thought that licorice acted by keeping HIV from multiplying. In another study, forty-two HIV-positive people with hemophilia took glycyrrhizin along with two amino acids. The viral load in these individuals did not drop into the undetectable range, but they did experience relief from oral yeast infections, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes. Their immune and liver function also improved. Some Japanese physicians have experimented with licorice as a means of keeping HIV infection from progressing to full-blown AIDS, but there is not enough research to date to support its use for this purpose. Today, the proper use of drugs can reduce viral loads effectively in most patients. In infants with cytomegalovirus (CMV) who were administered an intravenous preparation of glycyrrhizin from licorice, the virus was eradicated from the blood and liver tests were normalized. In a cell line studies, glycyrrhizin had potent antiviral effects against SARS. No human data are available for licorice and SARS, however.

Respiratory ailments. Glycyrrhizin stops the production of toxic free radicals by acting as an antioxidant. Other components in licorice, such as licoricidin and glabridin, act as anti-inflammatories. These substances reduce swelling of the bronchial passageways to help with bronchitis and possibly asthma. The herb also stimulates the secretion of mucus in the windpipe, which relieves dry cough. Licorice also increases the effectiveness of steroid drugs, which effectively treat a variety of inflammatory conditions but also produce a number of side effects. Clinical studies have shown that glycyrrhizin supplements prednisolone therapy, used in both asthma and lupus, allowing affected individuals to use smaller doses of prednisolone with fewer side effects. Similarly, licorice extends the useful life of cortisone creams used to treat vitiligo, a disorder that causes the skin to lose its pigmentation.

 

Recommended Use

There are two types of licorice commonly available: standard licorice and DGL. Each type is best used for certain conditions. For respiratory infections, CFS, or topical use for herpesvirus infections, standard licorice containing glycyrrhizin should be used. Most people can take 4 to 8 grams of ordinary licorice per day, but it should not be taken internally for more than four to six weeks at a time unless under the supervision of a health-care provider.

DGL is used for potential safety problems and is used for conditions of the digestive tract, such as ulcers. Generally, one 300-milligram tablet is chewed three times per day before meals and before bed for the best results. For mouth ulcers, 200 milligrams of DGL powder can be mixed with 200 milliliters of warm water and swished in the mouth for three minutes and then spit out.

Licorice is contraindicated for people with chronic hepatitis, cholestatic diseases of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver, severe kidney insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, hypotonic neuromuscular disorders, arrhythmias, hypertension, and low blood potassium. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Due to its aldosterone-like effects, licorice can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and potassium loss and should be avoided by anyone who would be affected by these problems, such as patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, glaucoma, or kidney disease. While taking licorice, it is important to include potassium-rich fruits and vegetables such as bananas and apricots in your diet. Weight gain has been reported in people who took 150 milligrams of glycyrrhetinic acid daily.

People with estrogen-sensitive disorders such as fibrocystic breasts, breast cancer, or uterine cancer, and anyone using estrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should avoid licorice. Also, licorice reduces testosterone levels in men and low libido has been reported. Do not use licorice if you are taking testosterone, as it will decrease the effectiveness of this hormone. For this reason, men who have erectile dysfunction (ED) or who are infertile should avoid this herb. People with hypothyroidism should avoid licorice, since it further reduces the thyroid’s production of thyroid hormone or may necessitate larger doses of levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Levothroid, Synthroid). You should not take licorice internally if you are using corticosteroids. Licorice may increase both its negative and positive effects. Women who are pregnant or nursing should use this herb with caution.

If you are taking a thiazide or other type of diuretic for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, the use of licorice might lead to excessive potassium loss. Potassium depletion can also cause serious mineral imbalances in people who take any form of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Do not use licorice if you are taking antidiabetic drugs, insulin, or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Licorice is a primary ingredient in smokeless, or chewing, tobacco. Excessive use of smokeless tobacco can have all the effects of excessive licorice use, especially high blood pressure.

Finally, consumption of large amounts of licorice candy (one-quarter to two pounds or 250 to 1,000 grams) can result in temporary visual disturbances. Temporary loss of visual acuity after consuming large amounts of licorice is due to spasms in the blood vessels supplying the eyes. In all the cases of this problem reported in the medical literature, normal vision returned after several days, although medical treatment was required.

Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
English: Licorice, Liquorice
Ayurvedic: Yashtimadhu, Madhuyashtyaahvaa, Madhuli, Madhuyashtikaa, Atirasaa, Madhurasaa, Madhuka, Yastikaahva, Yashtyaahva, Yashti, Yashtika, Yashtimadhuka.
Unani: Asl-us-soos, Mulethi.
Siddha: Athimathuram
Also, known as: Adimaduram, Akarmanis, Asloosoos, Åslussos, Athimaduram, Athimaduramu, Athimathuram, Bekh-E-Mahak, Bois Doux, Cha Aim Tead, Cha Em Thet, Estamee, Gancao, Glycyrrhiza, Herbe Aux Tanneurs, Hsi-Pan-Ya-Kan-Tsao, Irk Al Hiel, Irk Al Hilou, Irksos, Jakyakgamcho-Tang, Jashtimadhu, Jethimadh, Jethimadha, Kanpo, Kanzo, Kan-Ts’ao, Kum Cho, Lakritzenwurzel, Licorice, Licorice Root, Liquiritiae Radix, Liquorice, Liquorice Root, Madhuyashti, Madhuyashti Rasayama, Mulathee, Muleti, Mulhatti, Neekhiyu, Persian Licorice, Racine De Reglisse, Racine Douce, Reglisse, Reglisse Offi Cinalis, Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, Russian Licorice, Russian Liquorice, Russisches Süssholz, Si-Pei, Sinkiang Licorice, Spanish Licorice, Spanish Liquorice, Spanisches Süssholz, Süssholzwurzel, Sweet Root, Sweetwood, Ud Al Sus, Velmi, Walmee, Welmi, Xi-Bei, Yashti, Yashtimadhu, Yashtimadhukam, Yashtomadhu, Jesthimadhu, Yeshtmadhu, Yashtimadhu, Liquorice root, Jethimadha, Jethimard, Jethimadh, Mulethi, Mulathi, Muleti, Jethimadhu, Jethimadh, Jestamadu, Madhuka, Jyeshtamadhu, Atimadhura, Multhi, Irattimadhuram, Jesthamadh, Jatimadhu, Jastimadhu, Jethimadh, Mulathi, Athimadhuram, Atimadhuramu, Mulethi, Asl-us-sus
Origin: Pakistan
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Roots and rhizomes

General Information:
A perennial plant, up to more than 1m in height, erect, with highly developed stoloniferous roots. Leaves compound, 9-17 alternate imparipinnate leaflets, oblong to elliptical-lanceolate, acute or obtuse; racemes loose, shorter than the leaves or a little longer. Flowers 1 cm long. Flat pods oblong to linear, 1-3 cm long by 6 mm wide, more or less densely echinate glandular, the commercial variety, G. glabra var. typica Regel & Herd, known as

Spanish liquorice, consists generally of roots and rhizomes in nearly cylindrical pieces, up to 1 m long and 5-20 mm in diameter; externally, the bark is brownish grey to dark brown, longitudinally wrinkled, occasionally bearing small dark buds in rhizomes or small circular or transverse rootlets cars in roots. The peeled root is yellow, smooth, fibrous, finely striated; fracture, fibrous in the bark and splintery in the wood; internally, bright yellow. A distinct cambium ring separates the yellowish grey bark from the finely radiate yellow wood; central pith, only in rhizomes many seeded or abbreviated 2- or 3-seeded.

How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.