The history of licorice as a medicinal plant dates back thousands of years. From treating gastric ulcers to stopping a coughing fit to raising your blood pressure and boosting your exhausted adrenals, licorice does all that and more. The name ‘licorice’ is derived from the Greek (glukurrhiza), meaning “sweet root”. Its active principle glycyrrhizin (a sweetener between 30 to 50 times as sweet as table sugar) has a number of therapeutic effects.
In the Gastrointestinal tract it helps with the healing of intestinal ulcers, aids digestion, acts as mild laxative, and is an anti-spasmodic (for conditions such as crohn’s, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ileitis). It has also been shown to lower liver enzymes demonstrating it’s liver protective effects. (GL and GA reduce alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) values in the serum) (1).
Its action on the Cardiovascular system is to raise blood pressure. It therefore needs to be used with caution for those with a propensity for high blood pressure and not to be used long-term without the care of a health practitioner.
It is a wonderful support for exhausted Adrenal glands. 
By enhancing cortisol activity, glycyrrhizin helps to increase energy, ease stress and reduce the symptoms of ailments sensitive to cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromylagia. Apart from cortisol, licorice possess many other therapeutic properties by its effects on the Endocrine system (2).
In the Respiratory system it has a soothing and healing action, reducing irritation and inflammation and an expectorant effect, useful in irritating coughs, asthma and chest infections. (Isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid from licorice has been shown to relax tracheal smooth muscles).
Caution: The European Commission 2008 report suggested that “people should not consume any more than 100mg of glycyrrhizic acid a day, for it can raise blood pressure or cause muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches or swelling, and lower testosterone levels in men.” Always consult a qualified, licensed health care practitioner before beginning the use of any herbal/nutritional supplement.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Negin Misaghi, ND
Thanks for your informative and interesting blogs Negin, I thoroughly enjoy them. I find this article particularly interesting because I suffer from several of the conditions that licorice can treat such as asmtha, gastroesophageal reflux and a dry cough from a cold. I was wondering if there is a recommended weekly/monthly intake of licorice as a bare minimum to benefit from it’s healing abilities? And would you recommend taking licorice extract as a liquid or in solid form (ie, licorice sticks)?
Thanks again!
Dear anonymous,
Wow! So sorry for the very delayed response -in reviewing my old articles I came across your comment. Unfortunately, I can’t comment on dosage or form of intake as I am not your personal health care provider. If you need help in finding a licensed naturopathic doctor in your locality, let me know and I’ll direct you to one who would be able to answer your questions.
Best,
Dr. Negin
Is there a store here in London where I can buy licorice in bulk .. other than quarter master and the covent garden market which was expensive.
Hi Nancy,
It depends what form of licorice you’ll be needing to use and for what concern (extract, tea, in combination with other herbs, as DGL or just as chewable candy?). Unfortunately I cannot make any recommendations online without knowing your health history. If you’re interested, send me note to info@totalhealthnd.com or call the office to book an appointment to discuss.
Best,
Dr. Negin