LICORICE, chopped

Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Liquorice

Other Names: Licorice, Regolitsi, Aglycoriza

Licorice root, considered one of the oldest herbal medicines in the world , comes from the root of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. The medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for the Pharaohs. It has also been used in traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern and Greek medicines to soothe the stomach, reduce inflammation and treat upper respiratory problems.

Basic Properties: tonic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, tonic (adaptogenic herb), expectorant, emollient, mild laxative, endocrine agent, inhibits the production of cortisol in the body.

Uses : for Cough and bronchitis, respiratory infections, gastritis and peptic ulcer, chronic fatigue syndrome, mouth ulcers and canker sores, loss of appetite, adrenal gland problems, constipation.

Current research shows promise for several of the medicinal uses of licorice root.

• Glycyrrhizin, hygrotrigenin, and glabridin are just some of the active substances in licorice that have powerful antiviral properties by reducing the reproduction of viruses and stopping their ability to penetrate and multiply within healthy cells.
• Licorice extract is used to treat various skin conditions, including acne and eczema.
• Licorice extract is often used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as acid reflux , upset stomach, and heartburn .
• Licorice root extract and its glycyrrhizin may help treat peptic ulcers .
• Due to its content in numerous plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity , licorice extract has been studied for its protective effect against certain types of cancer .
• Due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, both licorice root extract and tea may help upper respiratory tract conditions (asthma, pharyngitis, cough, bronchitis, respiratory infections).
• Licorice root may help protect against bacteria that can lead to tooth decay .
• Could lead to significant improvements in blood sugar levels and kidney health
• It has been suggested as a treatment for hot flashes during menopause.
• Some studies show that licorice root extract reduces body mass index (BMI) and supports weight loss.
• A laboratory study showed that adding glycyrrhizin to a standard treatment for hepatitis C significantly reduced the spread of the virus.

How is it used:
as an infusion: half a teaspoon of chopped root in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 times a day.
Alternatively, add licorice powder (a total of 5-6 grams per day) to a beverage and drink it.
Continuous daily consumption of licorice should not exceed 2-3 weeks without the supervision of a specialist.
Tincture : 20-30 drops 1-2 times a day

Special precautions:
Chronic use and large* doses of licorice root may cause serious fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure should avoid licorice products.

Licorice root has been shown to interact with various medications, including blood pressure medications, blood thinners, statins, diuretics, estrogen-based contraceptives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It may cause a slight decrease in testosterone levels temporarily.

It is recommended to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to increase potassium, to help reduce the possibility of side effects.

*Long-term internal use of licorice (more than 2-3 weeks) in large quantities (over 10 g per day) should be done under the supervision of a specialist.

Indicative bibliography

• Bioactive Candy: Effects of Licorice on the Cardiovascular System
• Licorice: a possible anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer drug
• Bioactivity and potential health benefits of licorice
• The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb
• Glabridin, an isoflavan from licorice root, downregulates iNOS expression and activity under high-glucose stress and inflammation
• An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
• Antiulcer properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract on experimental models of gastric ulcer in mice
• To evaluate the effect of adding licorice to the standard treatment regimen of Helicobacter pylori
• Chemopreventive Effects of Licorice and Its Components
• Isoangustone A, a novel licorice compound, inhibits cell proliferation by targeting PI3K, MKK4, and MKK7 in human melanoma
• Dietary Compound Isoliquiritigenin, an Antioxidant from Licorice, Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Tumor Growth via Apoptotic Death Program Activation in Cell and Xenograft Animal Models
• Glycyrrhizin and Long-Term Histopathologic Changes in a Murine Model of Asthma
• The synergistic anti-asthmatic effects of glycyrrhizin and salbutamol
• Glycyrrhiza uralensis flavonoids present in anti-asthma formula, ASHMI™, inhibit memory Th2 responses in vitro and in vivo
• Herbal medicine for adults with asthma: A systematic review
• Effect of Aqueous and Alcoholic Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Root Extract Against Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Acidophilus in Comparison to Chlorhexidine: An In Vitro Study
• Effect of licorice extract on the complications of diabetic nephropathy in rats