Licorice ~ Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis

Licorice

Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis

Family: Fabaceae

Part used: root

Habitat: native to the Mediterranean region and parts of N. Africa; cultivated worldwide, G. uralensis is Chinese species

Main constituents: triterpenes (glycyrrhizin), flavonoids, coumarins, chalcones, polysaccharides, volatile oil

Energetics: moistening, sweet, neutral

Main herbal actions: demulcent, adrenal modulator, antibacterial, antiviral, nutritive, immunomodulator

Minor herbal actions: hepatoprotective, expectorant, mild laxative

Main medicinal uses: inflamed mucous membranes, coughs; urinary tract, throat, and bronchial irritation; adrenal fatigue

Minor medicinal uses: gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic hepatitis, HIV, mononucleosis, chronic fatigue syndrome

Preparations: decoction: 1 tsp/cup water; 1:3 tincture: 20-60 gtt qd-qid, powder in capsules: 1-5 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, cholestatic liver disorders; licorice potentiates the effects of anthraquinones (ex: cascara) and potentiates the toxicity of cardiac glycosides (ex: digitalis); it also interferes with thiazide diuretics and corticoid treatments

Toxicity: hypertension, edema, hypokalemia, vertigo, headache, high doses are stool loosening

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations

Module 2 reading

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Rich in both saponins and flavonoids, licorice root is anti-inflammatory. The structure of the saponins resembles adrenal hormones. This herb also enhances immune system functioning. Additionally, licorice is a potent liver herb, assisting the liver’s role in hormone balance.
Licorice (“yashtimadhu”- the sweet stick) is used in Ayurveda to improve eyesight, strength, sexual potency, and libido. Licorice is considered, as adaptogens generally do, to enhance the effects of other herbs in a formula, so it is widely used.
The dose is about 500 mg per day.

Lecture notes:Respiratory System ~ Jan 9 & Jan 22/2013 ~ Module 2

Demulcents – soothe irritated bronchials. Examples: Licorice and Marshmallow – work directly on sore throat. Marshmallow cold infusion: extracts carbohydrates.