herbs - Liquorice (Glycrrhiza glabra)

What is it?

Liquorice grows in southern Europe and south-western Asia and is a herb used frequently in Chinese medicine. The roots of three to four years old plants are used medicinally and in the manufacture of confectionery due to its flavour and natural sweetness. The plant is commercially cultivated in many places and was introduced to England by monks during the 16^th century.

Action

Liquorice is one of the most biologically active herbs known. It contains many compounds, but of prime importance are glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, coumarins and sterols. Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory actions and supports adrenal gland function. The flavonoids have Antioxidant activity and have potent healing properties. Liquorice is also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, mildly oestrogenic, liver protective and has demulcent soothing action. In addition it is an expectorant and helps to break up mucous.

Uses

Our experts recommend Liquorice for the following disorders:

Other information

Liquorice is often used to treat infection, help with liver and digestive system disorders and to help heal mouth ulcers. In its deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL) it is taken to help heal Stomach ulcers. This form can also prevent or reduce the damage on the stomach caused by NSAID’s (non-steroidal ant-inflammatory drugs) eg aspirin.

It is available in tablets, capsules or tincture and as DGL tablets, and can be used in tincture form for children 1 year of age and above. Herb tincture dosage is lower than adult levels - a simple guide for children is one drop per stone of weight.

Cautions

• The glycyrrhizin in Liquorice can deplete Potassium, causing fluid retention and raised blood pressure, so long term use at high doses should be avoided. However, DGL Liquorice is a safe alternative when long term use is needed ( ie. to treat Stomach ulcers) and is a special type of Liquorice where the glycyrrhizin has been removed.



• Liquorice should not be used if you are already taking diuretic medication or the drug, digoxin. However this does not apply to the DGL form of Liquorice.



• Liquorice is not recommended during pregnancy, breast feeding. Also it is best to only let children use Liquorice sweets sparingly as it may cause diarrhoea.



• When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with Liquorice.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.