- Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
- Pea family
cao (Chinese name)
Madhu (Sanskrit name)
Parts Usually Used
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Licorice is a perennial erect branching plant 3-7 feet tall; the
woody rootstock is wrinkled and brown on the outside, yellow on the
inside, and tastes sweet. The stem, which is round on the lower part
and angular higher up, bears alternate, odd-pinnate leaves with 3-7
pairs of ovate, dark green leaflets. Axillary racemes of yellowish
or purplish 3-foot-long spikes of flowers appear from June to August,
depending on location.
Full sun to partial shade. The roots are dug when sweetest, in autumn
of the 4th year, preferably from plants that have not borne fruit,
a process that exhausts the sweetness of the sap.
Another variety of licorice is Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota).
It can be used like G. glabra. Wild licorice can raise blood pressure
like G. glabra.
Found wild in southern and central Europe and parts of Asia, and
cultivated elsewhere. Grows abundantly in Northern China, Mongolia,
especially from the region of Kokonor.
Demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, emetic, emolient, pectoral,
alterative, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, sedative, tonic, stimulant
Asparagine, biotin, choline, fat, glycyrrhizin, gum, inositol, lecithin,
glycosides, volatile oil, coumarins, estrogenic substances, sterols,
saponins, manganese, PABA, pantothenic acid, pentacyclic terpenes,
phosphorus, protein, sugar, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and E, and
Substances in this herb seem to produce physiological reactions of
desoxycorticosterone, with associated retention of sodium and water
and the excretion of potassium.
Legends, Myths and Stories
Licorice was used as a treatment for coughs as long ago as the third
century BC. When the 3,000 year old tomb of King Tutankhamen of Egypt
was opened, archeologists found quantities of licorice stored with
fabulous jewelry and magnificent art works. Did the boy king have
a special liking for licorice?
Like the Chinese, the Hindus considered licorice a general tonic,
beautifying agent, and elixir of life.
Ancient Chinese divided their drugs into 3 classes, according to
their reputed properties. Licorice was of the first class because
"They preserve the life of man, and therefore resemble Heaven. They
are not poisonous. No matter how much you take, and how often you
use them, they are not harmful. If you wish to make the body supple,
improve the breath, become old in years without aging in body, then
make use of drugs of this class."
It has been stated that "Licorice sugar will not crystallize nor
ferment, even when yeast is added."
Hippocrates mentioned licorice in 400 BC; Pliny wrote 1900 years
ago about the juice of licorice helping to clear the voice. It is
mentioned in practically all botanical records of mankind.
In World War I, the French provided their troops with a beverage
made with licorice root.
The Chinese claim to have used the herb root for more than 5,000
years. Chinese healers prescribed licorice for flare-ups of arthritis,
but back then they didn't know that licorice contained saponins, anti-inflammatory
compounds similar to natural steroid hormones. Licorice stimulates
the production of 2 steroids, cortisone and aldosterone.
A list of 365 medicinal herbs were compiled in China about 2,000
years ago, called the Shennong Herbal. Licorice was listed as a "superior"
drug, meaning it can be used over a long period of time without toxic
effects. It actually has antiviral, antiallergic and, as stated, anti-inflammatory
Licorice root, considered of great importance in Chinese medicine,
is sold in long, dry, wrinkled pieces. It is used in a large number
of prescriptions as a corrective and harmonizing ingredient. The extract
is used in the composition of cough lozenges, syrups, and pastilles.
In the United States, the National Cancer Institute is investigating
triterpenoids, compounds found in licorice root, for the capability
to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and prevent tooth decay.
The Japanese are investigating glycyrrhetic acid as a possible cancer
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) was known to the Blackfeet tribe
as "Pa ki to ki" and was a remedy for sore throat and stomach trouble.
They steeped the gray leaves.
Licorice is used in great quantities in modern tobacco mixtures.
Beneficial for hypoglycemia, bronchitis,
cystitis, general debility, stomach ulcers,
diverticulosis, indigestion, gastritis,
ailments, stress, colds,
coughs, laryngitis or hoarseness, sore throats,
relieves thirst, fevers, nausea, and inflammation.
Cleanses the colon, lowers blood cholesterol,
promotes adrenal gland function, decreases muscle
or skeletal spasms, and increases fluidity of mucus from the lungs,
coughs, hoarseness, mucous congestion, and bronchial
tubes. Has estrogen-like hormone effects; changes the voice.
A strong decoction makes a good laxative for children and may also
help to reduce fever. Add licorice to other medicines to make them
Externally, used as an ointment for eczema,
boils, sores, ulcers,
and redness of the skin. Made by adding 2% of licorice juice to an
Studies show licorice root stimulates the production of interferon.
Deglycerrhizinated licorice may stimulate the body's defense mechanisms
that prevent the occurrence of ulcers by increasing the amount of
mucous-secreting cells in the digestive tract. This improves the quality
of mucous, lengthens intestinal cell life and enhances microcirculation
in the gastrointestinal lining. Licorice derivatives have been recommended
as a standard nutritional support for peptic ulcer
sufferers in Europe.
Licorice is 50 times sweeter than sugar.
Formulas or Dosages
Decoction: use 1 tsp. rootstock with 1 cup water. Take 1 cup
Licorice mixed with wild cherry, and flaxseed makes a wonderful cough
For sore throat, phlegm, hoarseness, coughs, and bronchial irritations,
the following Chinese formula should be sipped slowly:
- Kan-ts'ao (licorice root) 1/2 oz.
- Chih-ma (flaxseed) 1 oz.
Boil in 1-1/2 pints of water for 10 minutes, strain. Dose: 1 cup
of hot tea, 3 to 4 times a day. Sip slowly.
Manganese, phosphorus, protein, sugar, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9,
Capsules: take 1 capsule to up to 3 times daily.
Do not use licorice root if you have high blood pressure, liver disease,
or low levels of potassium. The increased production of aldosterone
can raise blood pressure; believed to cause retention of fluids; in
large quantities, licorice can sap potassium and calcium from the
body, which is extremely dangerous. Not to be taken by people with
a rapid heartbeat or those taking digoxin-based drugs. Avoid in cases
of osteoporosis, hypertension, and swelling around the heart. Licorice
is contraindicated in cases where there is a tendency towards fluid
retention, edema with high blood pressure. It should be used moderately
for women, who tend to retain water more than men. Application should
not continue for more than 4-6 weeks.
Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) should not use licorice during
PMS, due to its ability to cause water retention or bloating.
Licorice-flavored candy does not offer the same benefits as preparations
from the root, but can cause an increase in blood pressure.