Licorice (Glycyrrhiza globra, Gan Cao) has been used for centuries as an endocrine gland tonic, gastrointestinal

supporter, and sweetener for herbal remedies. Hippocrates called it glukos riza or sweet root. Licorice contains

many nutrients including isoflavones, lignans, calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,

potassium, selenium, zinc, silicon, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. It is considered to have anti-inflammatory,

anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-allergy effects.

Licorice has estrogenic and steroidal properties that, by balancing estrogen/progesterone (hormone) levels,

seems to help some women regulate symptoms of severe PMS and menopause. It is an adrenal gland tonic

with cortisol-like activity.

One of the potential side effects of licorice may be high blood pressure. This is due to high levels of

glycerheticinic acid in licorice, the effects of which can be similar to the adrenal hormone ACTH (thus leading to the retention of sodium and

potassium and a following rise in blood pressure). Fortunately there are now supplements which are made from deglycyrrhized licorice

(DGL) that carry the same healing properties as the pure licorice form.

Licorice has been used to help soothe ulcers, cleanse and tonify the liver, and alleviate spasm, stress, and inflammation in the

gastrointestinal tract. It is often prescribed as part of Chinese herbal formulas, and is called the “peacemaker” by Chinese physicians. The

ulcer soothing effects were discovered by chance. People who were taking a cough syrup made from licorice root that had been extracted

and boiled down to a thick syrup soon discovered that their ulcers had healed! This was probably due to the high mucilage content of

licorice root. It is still considered to be a potent expectorant. Licorice also tonifies the upper and lower gastroesophageal sphincters which

can help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

It is helpful to note that “licorice candy” is often made from anise and thus does not carry the same health-promoting effects as the licorice

discussed here. (Plus, pro-inflammatory sugar is added to most candy).

Again, because of the potential side effects of pure licorice, it is best to use it carefully or not at all if pregnant or if you have a history of high

blood pressure, cardiac disease or cardiac arrhythmias. I believe the DGL or deglycyrrhized form would most likely be safe for most people.

Licorice as a medicine can be taken as a chewable tablet, tincture, or licorice paste can be made into a stomach-soothing tea. You can find

out more by consulting with an herbalist, holistic/integrative medicine practitioner, or naturopathic physician.

Note: This material is provided for informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. Beth Netter, M.D. is a holistic

physician, meditation teacher, and Reiki master healer and teacher who practices at The Center for Integrative Health and Healing in

Delmar, NY.