Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Fabaceae, or the legume family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• 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]
3. Parts Used:
• Root ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Expectorant
• Demulcent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antihepatotoxic
• Antispasmodic
• Mild laxative ^[2]
5. 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]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Glycyrrhizin saponin, flavone and isoflavone, sterols, coumarins ^[2]
7. Energetics:
• Sweet, bitter, cool ^[3]
8. 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]
9. Interactions:
• Not recommended for those on cardiac glycosides, hypotensive agents, corticoids, diuretic drugs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• Dried licorice root looks like pale, broken twigs. Not a fan of the smell - it actually smells a bit like urine.
2. 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]
3. 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:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2019). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-19_MW5125-A Botanicals 5: Holistic Gynecologic Health
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.