Licorice is a perennial herb that has a long history of use, going back to ancient Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek, Arab, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian cultures. It was used in traditional medicine practices for coughing, asthma, and wound healing, as well as for diseases of the lungs, liver, and arteries. Today, licorice root is used as a digestive, respiratory, and energy support. It can also help certain skin conditions if used topically.
You can purchase licorice in stores; however, it isn’t the licorice herb. You can find licorice used as a flavoring in candy, other foods, and tobacco products but many products labeled as licorice in the United States does not contain actual licorice. Often, anise oil is used instead because it smells and tastes like licorice.
The actual licorice herb is currently used to reduce the size and the pain from canker sores, sore throats, halitosis (bad breath), and atopic dermatitis (eczema) or healing of a burn if used topically.
Licorice products containing glycyhizin are not ones you want to consume large amounts at one time or consume it over a long period of time because it can cause irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrest. Also, interactions between licorice and corticosteroids have been reported. Do not consume large amounts (250 g or more weekly) during pregnancy because it can increase the risk of delivery.
Purchase herbs: If you want to purchase good quality herbs, please consider using this affiliate link to purchase them.
Free bi-monthly herbal/natural medicine educational newsletter via email: Click this link to sign up!
Need a naturopathic doctor on call? Consider a wellness membership. Click this link to find out more!
If you would like to find out more about the author please consider visiting this link.
Stay natural!
~Dr. Amanda P. Cartwright