Native to the North Africa, Asia and Europe, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herbaceous perennial in the pea family, used for its sweet and flavorful root.
Licorice is famous for its use in the candy called black licorice, which traditionally contains glycyrrhizin as a sweetener, and the characteristic “licorice” flavor—which people seem to either love or hate!
The Licorice root has a natural sweetness from a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar, and makes it a good addition to foods and beverages for which a sweet flavor is desired. It is wonderful in teas for this reason!
Consumption in larger quantities, however, can result in adverse effects, such as high blood pressure.
Licorice also contains flavoring compounds (eg., anethole) that are found in the non-related plants, Fennel, Star Anise and Anise, sometimes leading to confusion for people between plants. In the US, many “licorice” products contain anise oil instead of Licorice, which provide a similar smell and taste as Licorice.
Licorice is used as a flavoring agent in tobacco and continues to be used in candies and sweet foods around the world. Even chewing or sucking on the dried root alone is pleasant, and is something people sometimes do while fasting or trying to quit smoking.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Licorice is used as a harmonizer in formulas to make the ingredients work together well, and in Ayurveda is it use for several types of disorders, especially those with aggravated Vata or Pita Doshas. In Ayurveda it is also known as Yashtimadhu and it is one of the most commonly used herbs.
In alternative and functional medicine, Licorice is often used for people with low energy and confirmed cortisol levels on functional labs in order to support cortisol and adrenal glands.
Overall, as an herbal medicine it is popular for hormonal, gut, throat, respiratory and fatigue issues.
Licorice is often used in liver health formulas, and it has documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, spasmolytic, laxative, antidepressant, antiulcer and antidiabetic activities.
Deglycerrhizinated licorice (DGL) extracts are available that significantly reduce the potential for adverse effects of licorice, and they are being tested with good clinical results for several conditions, especially for their anti-ulcer, acid-reflux and digestive health.
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*This post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Always seek m