Licorice Root: the Sweeter Side of Gut Health

Today we're gonna chat all about licorice. No, not Twizzlers. Nor Red Vines.

Licorice Root is our star today, and good for our bodies in so many ways. Glycyrrhiza glabra is the Latin name of this particular plant. The “Glycyrrhiza" part of the name actually means "sweet root" and glabra means "smooth" which refers to the smooth pods of the plant.

It has been used for thousands of years as a "harmonizing herb" in traditional Chinese medicine. It brings balance and it's really, really sweet and delicious. It can help make other formulations much more palatable because there are quite a few herbs that are pretty gross and nobody wants to taste them especially in our society where we really love sweet things.

The variety of properties that lend licorice so well to keeping our gut happy; licorice is demulcent (coating and cooling), mucilaginous (soothing and smoothing), and even a great immunomodulator as it's rich in polysaccharides. Did you know that 60 to 70% of your immune cells come from your gut!? And it’s so much more than just the gut; we have other body systems made up of the same mucosal tissue. So what’s good for our guts is also good for, say, our skin and respiratory systems. Licorice root is also known to increase overall vitality, and acts as an adaptogenic herb that also can help improve memory.

Why You would use it for Gut Health?

Yummy and sweet!
Demulcent
Heartburn
Inflammation & Heat
Gastritis
Heal Ulcers
Hot irritable pain not associated with ulcers
Increases production of mucous lining, which helps offer extra anti-inflammatory properties
Pain and diarrhea
Great for those trying to pass gas
Gentle Laxative properties if someone is dealing with hard or really dry stool
Fends off H Pylori
Helocibacter (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria. These germs can enter your body and live in your digestive tract. After many years, they can cause sores, called ulcers, in the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. For some people, an infection can lead to stomach cancer. Infection with H. pylori is common. About two-thirds of the world’s population has it in their bodies.

How you can use Licorice Root:

Licorice is commonly used as a harmonizer in larger formulas, and rarely taken just by itself.

Dosage Suggestions:

Powder: 1–9 grams per day
Tea/Decoction: 1–9 grams per day ½-1 tsp in 1 cup water 3x per day boil fpr 10-15
Tincture (dried root): 1:5, 30% 2–3 mLs, three times a day

Special Considerations:

Licorice, especially when taken in high doses for long periods of time, can cause water retention and thus increase blood pressure
Can irritate the kidneys & interact with several different medications
Some people seem to be more susceptible to this than others

Some Safe Practice Suggestions for Licorice:

Take licorice in smaller doses and as part of a larger herbal formula.
Avoid taking more than 9 grams of licorice per day for an extended period of time.
If you decide to take larger doses of licorice, regularly check your blood pressure and discontinue use if you notice any unusual water retention in your body.
Avoid use of licorice if you currently have high blood pressure and/or edema (swelling).

What is DGL?

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) - is a processed form of licorice in which glycyrrhizin has been removed.
DGL is especially useful for soothing and protecting the inflamed lower esophagus that people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn experience.
This form of licorice can be taken in higher doses without the undesirable effects of water retention or hypertension.
DGL lozenges are commonly used for soothing mucous membranes, such as a sore throat or inflamed digestive tissues.

Caution:

Licorice root is not recommended during pregnancy, and its safety has not been established for use during lactation.
Licorice may also interact with corticosteroid medications by increasing their effect. If you are on corticosteroid medication, then it would be best to work with someone experienced in using these two substances together.

Looking for more help with your digestive health?

Join my free online workshop! You'll discover the secret tools herbalist's and functional medicine practitioners use to help heal your gut, so that you can live with your life less pain and inflammation. Learn More here!

Meet The Author

_{We Love the Mission and Sustainable Herbs available through Oshala Herb Farm, WishGarden Herbs & Mountain Rose Herbs and receive a small commission when you purchase through our affiliate links. Thank you for supporting our small business, and others on a mission to make this planet a better place to live!}

_{*Always remember to contact your healthcare provider when considering the use of botanical medicine as a possible treatment option and the medical considerations. While the information in this article is absolutely relevant, herbs work differently for each person and each condition.}

_{**I am a trained herbalist and not a licensed or registered healthcare practitioner. I cannot diagnose health conditions, nor prescribe medicines legally; I am not a medical doctor. However, I will recommend or suggest medicinal herbs for various health complaints, as I do believe in the safety and efficacy of botanical medicine.}

_{***The information I’ve provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.}

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