Licorice - Traditional Chinese Medicine
Licorice, or licorice root, is the generic name for Glycyrrhiza Glabra, a perennial flowering shrub of the berry family, the mint family Lamiaceae, in the seed of which a delicious, sweet, odorless sweetening can be extracted. Licorice comes in many shapes and colors and grows best in damp soil in warm temperatures. It produces little fruit when fully ripe. The leaves are dark green, furry, and leathery, with the stem being shiny green and pungently aromatic. Licorice root can be harvested for use in candy, salves, medicines, and teas.
Licorice has been used historically for its soothing and balancing qualities. It was prescribed by ancient healers as a cure for stomach ailments, has been recommended by pharmacy professionals as a remedy for stomach ulcers, and has been used to treat such diverse maladies as menstrual disorders, flatulence, poor digestion, headaches, toothaches, anxiety, excess perspiration, varicose veins, nervousness, tremors, and cancer. Licorice root may also be used to treat such symptoms as acne, fatigue, diabetes, epilepsy, flaxseed, flu, high blood pressure, inflammation, learning disabilities, infertility, nervousness, sinusitis, throat infections, and ulcers. Licorice has also been widely acclaimed as a stimulant, reducing fatigue and increasing mental alertness and concentration.
More recent studies have shown Licorice to have a balancing effect on the immune system. Preliminary evidence indicates Licorice may help prevent tumors and aid in chemotherapy. Preliminary evidence indicates Licorice may also help reduce cholesterol levels. A two-week clinical trial conducted at the University of Nottingham in the UK, found participants who took a Licorice supplement had lower markers for inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, and had lower inflammatory skin lesions than those who did not take a Licorice supplement. The two-week study was relatively short, therefore more study is necessary to verify these results. This Licorice research is in the very early stages, therefore no definitive conclusions can be made at this time.
Licorice has many well-known and lesser-known side effects. Licorice may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which are common side effects of most prescription and over the counter medications. Licorice may also cause constipation. Licorice may also cause a form of gallbladder pain called "gallstones". If you're taking or think you're taking prescription pain medications, you should be aware that some prescription pain medicines, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can interact with licorice. Before combining prescription pain medications with any herbal remedies, you should discuss the possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.
One of the more intriguing side effects of Licorice, and one of the reasons it is increasingly being used to treat disease, is its potential use as an alternative treatment for acid reflux. Licorice has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for fever, coughs, sore throats, influenza, and other conditions that can temporarily ease the symptoms of a physical ailment or disease. While the exact mechanism involved in Licorice's effect on acid reflux is not known, Licorice does appear to have a diuretic effect on the stomach, which may explain its ability to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux.
Because Licorice has been used to treat chronic conditions for several hundreds of years, there is a wealth of information on the subject. Licorice has recently been added to the US National Health Information Center's list of complementary medicines. Licorice has also been made available in traditional Chinese medicine and Eastern health practices for hundreds of years. There is no definitive evidence that Licorice root extract will specifically treat upper respiratory conditions, but it is thought to have a diuretic effect on the stomach which may be beneficial in its role in treating acid reflux.
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