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The Romans called it Radix dulcis, meaning "sweet root". The Germans called it "sweet wood". The armies of Alexander carried it to allay thirst, the Sioux in North America chewed it for toothache, and medieval¹ English governments taxed it. Licorice has been used in many ways by many cultures.

Licorice is cultivated for its sweetness and medicinal properties. The roots are harvested at the end of the fourth year, when the sweet taste is the strongest. As many as 20 known species² are native to South Asia, Europe, and North America. Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra most frequently used medicinally.

Licorice root has a variety of medicinal uses, and has been traditionally classed as anti-inflammatory, adrenal tonic, antiallergy, antimicrobial, cough-reducer, ex­pectorant³, and mild laxative. It has been extensively investigated, and many of its traditional uses have been verified through clinical trials.

Licorice is widely used for upper respiratory problems: sore throats, bronchi­tis, coughs, and excess catarrh. It soothes and reduces coughing, while its antiviral action is excellent for mouth ulcers and cold sores. The sweet taste makes licorice a popular addition to cough syrups and lozenges⁴.

The healing effects of licorice make this herb a remedy for gastritis, peptic ulcer, and abdominal cramping. Some studies suggest that licorice can increase gastric juices by as much as 25 percent without altering the natural pH of the stom­ach, making licorice important for proper digestion.

Chemicals in licorice are metabolized by the body into molecules having a simi­lar structure to some adrenal hormones. One of these hormones, Cortisol, may be the basis of the antiinflammatory effect of licorice. The herb is often added to formulas for chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritic and rheumatic complaints.

Like all strong herbs, licorice must be treated with respect, and seeking the advice of a qualified natural health practitioner is recommended. While considered safe in low doses, adverse effects are common if you take more than 20 g of the root per day. Susceptible individuals may experience side effects at much lower doses.

Possible adverse effects include increased blood pressure, water retention, headaches, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. The safety of licorice in pregnancy has not been established, and it should be avoided in any dose over 3 g a day.

Do not take licorice if you have an existing high blood pressure or heart con­dition, or if you are taking medications for high blood pressure or heart problems. Also avoid licorice if you are taking diuretics or using potassium supplements. Licorice has been reported to have negative effects on estrogen-sensitive condi­tions, on thyroid hormone production, and it should not be combined with prescrip­tion corticosteroids.

As one of our most versatile⁵ and effective herbs, licorice has proven its worth throughout history.