Licorice

Licorice Supplements: An Herbal Remedy

When people hear the word "licorice," they often associate it with the sweet candy confection rather than the plant from which it is derived. The licorice plant is, indeed, delicious but has also found its way into various cultures and traditional medicinal practices worldwide with licorice supplements. In fact, this sweet and woody herb is prized for the numerous therapeutic properties it offers, the bulk of which is due to a compound called glycyrrhizin.

Licorice has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient civilizations. It is native to regions including southern Europe, Asia Minor, and the Middle East and gets its name from the Greek "glykurrhiza," meaning "sweet root," alluding to its inherent sweetness. In traditional herbalism, both the root and rhizomes of the licorice plant have been used in medicinal and culinary applications. The plant has been especially prized in traditional medicine systems for its broad spectrum of applications. For instance, in ancient Egypt, it was used as a remedy for respiratory ailments, while the Greeks and Romans used it to treat digestive issues and as a means to sweeten and flavour their food and beverages. 

In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is a staple and is used to harmonize the actions of other herbs, balance the body's energy, and soothe the respiratory and digestive systems. Its adaptogenic properties have also made it a mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as "Yashtimadhu" and used to alleviate a wide range of health conditions. Licorice plays a significant role in modern herbalism as well, thanks to its soothing, demulcent, digestive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulant, and adrenal-supportive qualities.  

Health Benefits Of Licorice & Licorice Supplements

• Gastrointestinal Health: Licorice is known for its soothing properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and stomach ulcers.
• Respiratory Health: Licorice is frequently added to herbal cough syrups and throat lozenges thanks to its ability to ease sore throats, reduce coughing, and support bronchial health.
• Hormonal Balance: Licorice helps regulate hormone levels, making it beneficial for managing the symptoms of PMS and menopause.
• Stress and Adrenal Support: Licorice is a well-known adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting adrenal gland health.
• Skin Care: Licorice extract is often used in skincare products to reduce skin inflammation and irritation.

Who Would Benefit From Licorice?

Adding a licorice supplement to one's daily regimen may be beneficial for individuals experiencing digestive issues, such as indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, leaky gut, and more. It may also benefit those looking to support adrenal health, as glycyrrhizin naturally helps regulate cortisol levels, enabling the body to better manage stress. Moreover, because licorice has an estrogen-like effect in women, it is an ideal supplement to help mitigate menstrual- and fertility-related concerns. 

Licorice Supplement Varieties

Licorice comes in a few different forms, including dried herb which is ideally suited to making tea, as well as supplemental forms like capsules, tablets, liquid tinctures and syrups. These may come as licorice root extract or deglycyrrhized (DGL) licorice root extract.

These are two distinct forms of licorice root with different properties and applications. Licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin, a compound which can cause side effects, such as high blood pressure and potassium depletion when consumed in large amounts. On the other hand, DGL licorice is a modified form of licorice extract, wherein glycyrrhizin has been removed to mitigate its possible side effects. As such, DGL is a safer option for long-term use.

Final Considerations & Side Effects

Licorice supplements, while known for their impressive health benefits, should be consumed with caution due to potential side effects. One notable concern is the risk of increasing blood pressure, sodium retention and potassium loss. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with hypertension or heart conditions. 

Additionally, excessive licorice consumption may result in hormonal imbalances, especially in women, as it can interfere with the body's cortisol regulation. Liver toxicity and muscle weakness are other side effects that can occur with long-term or high-dose licorice supplementation. If you have a diagnosed health condition or take prescription medications, consult a healthcare practitioner before adding licorice to your daily regimen.