

Licorice: The Peacemaker


Licorice (Glycyrrhiza globra) has been used for centuries as an endocrine gland tonic, gastrointestinal supporter, and sweetener for herbal remedies.Hippocrates called it glukos riza or sweet root. Licorice contains many nutrients including isoflavones, lignans, calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, silicon, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. It is considered to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-allergy effects.

Licorice has estrogenic and steroidal properties that, by balancing estrogen/progesterone (hormone) levels, seems to help some women regulate symptoms of severe PMS and menopause. It is an adrenal gland tonic with cortisol-like activity.

One of the potential side effects of licorice may be high blood pressure. This is due to high levels of glycerheticinic acid in licorice, the effects of which can be similar to the adrenal hormone ACTH (thus leading to the retention of sodium and potassium and a following rise in blood pressure). Fortunately there are now supplements which are made from deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL) that carry the same healing properties as the pure licorice form.

Licorice has been used to help soothe ulcers, cleanse and tonify the liver, and alleviate spasm, stress, and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is often prescribed as part of Chinese herbal formulas, and is called the “peacemaker” by Chinese physicians. The ulcer soothing effects were discovered by chance. People who were taking a cough syrup made from licorice root that had been extracted and boiled down to a thick syrup soon discovered that their ulcers had healed! This was probably due to the high mucilage content of licorice root. It is still considered to be a potent expectorant. Licorice also tonifies the upper and lower gastroesophageal sphincters which can help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

It is helpful to note that “licorice candy” is often made from anise and thus does not carry the same health-promoting effects as the licorice discussed here. (Plus, pro-inflammatory sugar is added to most candy).

Again, because of the potential side effects of pure licorice, it is best to use it carefully or not at all if pregnant or if you have a history of high blood pressure, cardiac disease or cardiac arrhythmias. I believe the DGL or deglycyrrhized form would most likely be safe for most people.

Licorice as a medicine can be taken as a chewable tablet, tincture, or licorice paste can be made into a  stomach-soothing tea. You can find out more by consulting with an herbalist, holistic/integrative medicine practitioner, or naturopathic physician.

 To your health and happiness!


Beth Netter, M.D. is a holistic physician, meditation teacher, and Reiki master healer and teacher who practices at The Center for Integrative Health and Healing in Delmar, NY. (518) 689-2244.

Beth Netter

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