Native to
central and eastern Asia, introduced to Europe and England in the mid-18th
century. The flowers bloom perennially in a cup- or bowl- shape. [1]
May inhibit
platelet aggregation (use caution for those with low platelets, clotting
disorders, or those on anticoagulant medications). [1]
Personal
Experience
Organoleptics:
The dried root looks like shaved curls of wood. Medium-dark brown in color. A strong bitter smell, again like urine (same as licorice).
Preparation Method:
Tincture: (1:4 in 70%) 2-4 dropperfuls 3x/day.
Decoction: 1 g dried herb in 1 cup water, boil and simmer for 5 mins. Drink 3x/day. [2]
Usage Notes:
I made a tincture. It turned out very strong, almost chemical-tasting but I think it's the strong floral taste that makes it this way. Almost like drinking perfume. It would be better in a glycerine-based formula. I can feel the bitter attributes clearly in my mouth. I was very interested in this herb for the liver support - I definitely feel that my body liked this herb. It's hard to say why.
Sources:
Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2019).
Week 4 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-19_MW5125-A Botanicals 5:
Holistic Gynecologic Health
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical
Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT:
Healing Arts Press.
Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001).
The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.
Licorice is
native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia. Glycyrrhiza lepidota, or American Licorice, is a relative of
Glycyrrhiza glabra that can be found throughout the United States and
Canada. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. [1]
Parts Used:
Root [2]
Herbal Actions:
Expectorant
Demulcent
Anti-inflammatory
Antihepatotoxic
Antispasmodic
Mild laxative [2]
Body System Indications:
GI - Gastritis,
gastric ulcers, Hepatitis
ENMT - Reduces
dental plaque and aphthous ulcers, reduces HSV
Respiratory - Cough,
catarrh, bronchitis
CNS - Depression
in cases of elevated cortisol
Immune - Inhibits
growth of virus
Endocrine - Adrenal
fatigue, PCOS, infertility
GU - Prevents
bacterial adherence to bladder wall
MSK - Rheumatism
[1]
Plant Constituents:
Glycyrrhizin
saponin, flavone and isoflavone, sterols, coumarins [2]
Energetics:
Sweet, bitter,
cool [3]
Safety:
Avoid in high
doses and/or long-term usage - Chronic intake of the compound glycyrrhizin can lead to
hypokalemia, headache, spastic numbness, hypertension, weak limbs,
dizziness, edema.
“Deglycyrrhizinated”
licorice is safe for general use. [2]
Interactions:
Not recommended for those on cardiac glycosides, hypotensive
agents, corticoids, diuretic drugs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.[2]
Personal
Experience
Organoleptics:
Dried licorice
root looks like pale, broken twigs. Not a fan of the smell - it actually
smells a bit like urine.
Preparation Method:
Tincture: (1:5 in 40%)
1 – 3 mL 3x/day
Decoction: ½ - 1 tsp
root in 1 cup water, boil and simmer for 10-15 mins and drink 3x/day [2]
Usage Notes:
I made a
decotion of the licorice root. It came out darker than I thought it would
be. It's so sweet, I almost can't stand to drink it. I can see why this
herb is used (in small amounts) to sweeten tinctures, especially because
it can increase absorption of other herbs in a formula. It really lingers
in the mouth, especially the back of the throat. I get the strong
demulcent qualities of this herb right away. It coats the tongue and
mucous membranes.
Sources:
Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L.
(2019). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-19_MW5125-A
Botanicals 5: Holistic Gynecologic Health
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical
Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT:
Healing Arts Press.
Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001).
The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.
