Glycyrrhiza/licorice

Licorice/Glycyrrhiza 2 oz

Glycyrrhiza is commonly used in respiratory problems such as catarrh, bronchitis and coughs, asthma and other chest infections. It reduces throat irritation and also produces an expectorant action. Its hydrocortisone-like effects have even seen its use a healing agent for tuberculosis. Due to glycyrrhetinic acid?s aspirin-like effect, Glycyrrhiza is also effective in helping to reduce fevers and soothe pain in headaches. In addition, its anti-allergenic effect helps to counter the signs and symptoms of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. (Murray in Miller et al 1998)

Apart from the respiratory system, glycyrrhizin?s hormone-like structure accounts for Glycyrrhiza?s affinity for the endocrine system. In addition to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-arthritic properties, the steroid-like compounds in Glycyrrhiza can convert to oestrogen precursors oestradiol and oestrone, giving the herb mild estrogenic properties. This property has been used in the treatment of menopause. Its hormone-like activity also makes Glycyrrhiza a suitable alternative for those who are trying to wean themselves off orthodox steroid drugs. (Mills 1991, Mills et al 2000, Murray in Miller et al 1998, Weiss et al 2000)

Another well-documented use of Glycyrrhiza is in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. As mentioned, carbenoxolone promotes gastric mucous secretions. It increases the longevity of gastric epithelial cells, and promotes cell proliferation in the stomach, thus allowing ulcers to heal. Glycyrrhiza also lowers stomach acid levels. Glycyrrhiza can be used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, irritation, inflammation and spasm in the digestive tract. It is also suggested that Glycyrrhiza has the ability to promote detoxification of drugs in the liver and neutralisation of many toxins like diphtheria and tetanus. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels. (Mills 1991, Mills et al 2000, Murray in Miller et al 1998, Weiss et al 2000)

Based on its action on the adrenal glands, Glycyrrhiza is also thought to improve resistance to stress, and should be considered during periods of physical and emotional stress, after surgery or during convalescence, or when fatigued and run down. (McIntyre 1994).

Active Ingredients:

• Organic dry root of Glycyrrhiza glabra In a base of spring water and organic alcohol.

Recommended Dosage: Shake well. The presence of particulate matter in this product is normal. Add 20-60 drops to water, 1-4 times per day.

Caution: Chronic use may mimic aldosteronism. Avoid using with pre-existing hypertension.

Pure grain alcohol: 37-42%
Herb strength- 1:3 dry

History of Use:
Glycyrrhiza is among the world?s most ancient herbal remedies. It was used in Ayurvedic medicine more than 4000 years ago in India. A large amount of this herb was also discovered during an excavation of a famous pharaoh?s tomb in Egypt in 1923. The Tang dynasty Chinese physician Sun Ssu-mo also noted Glycyrrhiza?s potent antidote properties 1400 years ago in his classic health volumes Precious Recipes, in which he states, ?the detoxifying power if licorice when it meets poisons in the human body can be compared to the melting power of a pan of boiling hot water when poured onto snow on the ground.? (Reid 2001) The ancient Greek and Assyrian physicians also ground the roots into a paste or powder form to treat wounds, mouth ulcers, asthma, coughs, respiratory troubles, swellings, excessive salivation and fluid retention. When it was later introduced into other parts of Europe, it continued being used in the same way. (Fletcher 1991)

Culpeper recommended boiling Glycyrrhiza roots in water with some Maidenhead and figs to make a drink for a dry cough or hoarseness, wheezing or shortness of breath, and for chest and lung pains. He also states that the juice is also effective in treating chest and lung diseases. For children, he advocated a strong decoction of the root to loosen bowels and to allay feverish heats. (Potterton 1996) Writing in 1930 in her herbal, Grieve noted its use as a demulcent, pectoral and emollient. She states that it was a popular and well-known remedy for coughs, consumption (tuberculosis) and chest problems, especially bronchitis. Due to its soothing effect, it was an ingredient that could be found in almost all the popular cough medicines at that time. Together with sedatives and expectorants, Glycyrrhiza was also used in the production of cough lozenges and pastilles. It was commonly used with a linseed infusion to treat irritable coughs, sore throats and laryngitis. (Grieve 1931)

Precautions:

• On prolonged use and with higher doses, mineralocorticoid effects may occur in the form of sodium and water retention and potassium loss, accompanied by hypertension, oedema, and hypokalaemia, and, in rare cases, myoglobinuria.
• The German Commission E lists cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosishypertension, hypokalaemia, severe kidney insufficiency and pregnancy as contraindications. It is also contraindicated in oedema and congestive heart failure.
• 30-40g per day for nine months has been shown to cause muscle weakness, lethargy and dulled reflexes.
• Due to action on aldosterone, people on Glycyrrhiza should be on a low sodium high potassium diet.
• Potassium loss due to other drugs, like thiazide diuretics, can be increased. Thus they should not be taken together with glycyrrhizin.
• With potassium loss, sensitivity to digitalis glycosides increases. Thus Glycyrrhiza should not be used by people taking the prescription drug digoxin.
• Glycyrrhiza may interfere with the oral contraceptive pill due to its amphoteric oestrogenic effects.
• The German Commission E Monographs recommends using Glycyrrhiza in therapeutic doses for no longer than 4-6 weeks without medical advice. There is no objection to using it as a flavouring agent up to a maximum daily dosage equivalent to 100 mg glycyrrhizin. (Chopra et al 2000, Fletcher 1991, Hoffman 2000, Mills et al 2000, Murray in Miller et al 1998)

References:

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