You probably remember black jelly beans from your childhood. If you liked those, you might have a soft spot for licorice root. It was once the main ingredient in black licorice candy. Today, most sweets use anise oil for flavor. The root itself is still highly valued. It flavors food and serves as a herbal remedy. Large farms grow licorice to meet global demand. Wild plants exist but cannot keep up with the need.
Soothing Stomach Ulcers
Licorice treats many illnesses. In China, it balances herbal formulas. It soothes coughs and reduces inflammation. It heals ulcers and stomach inflammation. It also controls blood sugar and balances hormones. It helps with canker sores and cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus. It acts as a potent antiviral for flu and hepatitis. It improves the taste of other herbs too.
Modern studies confirm its ulcer-healing power. Most common medications like cimetidine reduce stomach acid drastically. Licorice works differently. It does not lower acid levels. Instead, it stops acid from damaging the stomach lining. It encourages mucosal tissues to protect themselves.
The root boosts mucous-secreting cells. It extends the life of surface intestinal cells. It increases microcirculation in the gastrointestinal tract. This protects the stomach lining. A study in Ireland found a licorice extract relieved symptoms better than Tagamet for some patients.
The Power of Glycyrrhizin
The sweet flavor comes from glycyrrhizin. This saponin glycoside is 30 to 60 times sweeter than sugar. It is also anti-inflammatory. It treats lung, bowel, and skin inflammation.
Glycyrrhizin affects cortisol levels. It prolongs the time cortisol circulates in the body. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone. It reduces inflammation naturally. By keeping cortisol active longer, licorice reduces inflammation without suppressing the immune system. This differs from synthetic drugs.
Many anti-inflammatory drugs are synthetic cortisol versions. They treat asthma, arthritis, and eczema. They suppress the immune system. This halts the body’s inflammatory response. Licorice does not suppress the immune system like pharmaceutical steroids do.
Both can cause similar side effects. These include weight gain and fluid retention. High blood pressure is a possible result. If you use cortisone or prednisone, consult a naturopathic physician. They can help determine if your condition can be managed differently.
Keep reading to learn about warnings and preparations for licorice.
To learn more about treating common medical conditions at home, try the following links:
- For an overview of all of our herbal remedies, go to the main Herbal Remedies page.
- To learn more about treating medical conditions at home, visit our main Home Remedies page.
- One of the best things you can do for your health and well being is to make sure you are getting enough of the vital nutrients your body needs. Visit our Vitamins page to learn more.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization’s standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.
You can buy licorice in a variety of forms. Capsules. Dried root. Tinctures. Elixirs and syrups are also common. But knowing how much to take is tricky. Dosages vary wildly depending on your goal.
Small amounts serve as flavoring or to balance herbal formulas. Big doses tell a different story. If you are treating an ulcer flare-up or an irritable bowel episode, you might see recommendations for up to three or four cups per day.
Herbalists rarely use licorice in isolation. They usually bundle it with other herbs. You need a professional to guide you on the right amount for your specific body.
Managing Licorice Side Effects
The main concern is blood pressure. Licorice can raise blood pressure in people who already have hypertension. Even if your high blood pressure is controlled with medication, you should avoid using licorice as a medicine. The risk is real.
For people with normal blood pressure, licorice does not tend to raise it. That is a relief, but not a guarantee of safety.
Other side effects include bloating and fluid retention. These usually only happen with high doses. Think more than five cups of tea daily. Or long-term use of lower doses over several months.
Pregnancy is a hard no. Avoid licorice completely if you are pregnant.
Contextual Resources
If you are looking into treating common medical conditions at home, there are resources available.
- For an overview of all herbal remedies, check the main Herbal Remedies page.
- To learn more about treating medical conditions at home, visit the main Home Remedies page.
- One of the best things you can do for your health and well being is to make sure you are getting enough of the vital nutrients your body needs. Visit the Vitamins page to learn more.
Jennifer Brett, N.D. is director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport. She serves on the faculty for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a recognized leader in her field with an extensive background in treating a wide variety of disorders utilizing nutritional and botanical remedies. Dr. Brett has appeared on WABC TV (NYC) and on Good Morning America to discuss utilizing herbs for health.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization’s standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.
