Glycyrrhiza glabra

Description: The licorice extract is what is found in real licorice candies that is found in specialty shops and is a beneficial herb. Most U.S. "licorice" does not contain licorice but a compound called anise. This herb dates back 5,000 years in China. If the taste of other herbs is not appealing, then licorice may be used as a sweetener to mask the taste. Deglycyrrhizinated is a form of licorice commonly used to prevent the hypersensitivies that occur after consumption of the whole licorice.

Parts Used: Roots

Common Use: Licorice works as an anti-inflammatory relieving arthritis. To help heal a herpes sore, sprinkle powdered licorice root on the sore. This works because licorice stimulates the production of interferons which is the body's antiviral compound. Licorice also fights infection caused by Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Candida albicans (cause of yeast infections). Liver complications such as hepatitis and cirrhosis may be controlled by the use of licorice. With use of this herb increases mucus production in the intestinal lining causing a mild laxative effect. This could alleviate heartburn and ulcers.

Origin: Italy, Spain, Iran, Russia

Active Substances: Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids, asparagine, iso-flavonoids, chalcones, coumarins, triterpenoid saponins.

Standard: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice with 1-2% Glycyrrhizin and regular licorice 12% Glycyrrhizin

Pharmacology:

Active Properties:

Directions For Use:Boil 1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Drink 2 cups a day. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Processing:

Bio-Enhancing:The bio-enhancing agents for the liver include milk thistle, dandelion, cascara, wild yam. For the stomach the agents are goldenseal, ginger, gentian root. For adrenal support the bio-enhancing agents are panax ginseng, and Siberian ginseng.

Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:With excess consumption of licorice, it acts like the hormone ACTH. This causes sodium retention, potassium development, then leading to water retention. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Scientific References:Balch, J. and Balch, P., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group. Castleman, M., (1991) The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. Chopra, D., (1993) Alternative Medicine. Fife, Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. Flynn, R. and Roest, M., (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. Prescott, Arizona: One World Press. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1993) Nutritional Influences of Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press.

Historical Uses:Hippocrates used licorice extract for coughs, asthma, and other respiratory complications during the 3rd century. Dioscorides, a Greek physician, discovered that this herb was useful for colds, sore throats, and with complications of the chest and gastrointestinal tract. Other historical uses include regulating hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), aiding in Addison's disease, and as a female tonic.

Analysis:Product Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, Type standardized extract, Standardization deglycyrrhinated with 1.5% glycyrrhizin, Loss on drying 4.1%, pH 5.6, Ash 14.1%, Storage sealed in cool, dry, dark place.