Is Licorice a Candy or a Medicine?

The sweet licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which is, a compound that can be up to 50 times sweeter than sugar. With that fact in mind, it’s not surprising that when many people think of licorice, they think of candy and not medicine.

Licorice is one of the most extensively researched herbs. Licorice is native to the Mediterranean and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, with documentation dating back to at least ancient Assyrian clay tablets and Egyptian papyri. It was used in ancient Arabia for treating coughs and in ancient Greece for coughs and asthma. Licorice was also used in China, to treat irritation of the mucous membranes and spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

Many Chinese herbal formulas contain licorice, because of its gastrointestinal absorption and body balancing properties. Licorice also works synergistically with other herbs.

Traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine uses licorice root as an expectorant, spasm-reliever and anti-inflammatory, as well as for enhancing the function of the adrenal glands.

Uses of Licorice Root:

1. To Treat Stomach Ulcers

2. To Treat Sore Throats, Coughs & As A Cold Remedy

3. To Treat Acid Reflux & As A Digestive Support

4. As An Anti-Inflammatory & For Immune System Support

5. For Constipation

6. As An Anti- Viral

7. For Adrenal Support

8. To Treat PMS & For Menopausal Support

Licorice Warning:

Like many other good things, too much licorice may not be a good thing. Be careful not to overdo it. Overdoing it can be taking too much licorice at one time, or taking it for too long without a break. The active ingredient, glycyrrhiza, if taken in excess, can lead to pseudo-aldosteronism, which is a hormonal imbalance of the adrenal cortex. This could cause headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure and even possible heart attacks.

The University of Maryland Medical Center, recommends using licorice for no longer than a week before seeking the advice of a health care provider and not using any licorice preparation for longer than four to six weeks at a time. You can find their recommended doses within the attached link.

This herb also should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you want the benefits of licorice without any of the risks, an option is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which is licorice without glycyrrhizin.

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