What does Licorice do?

(Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Licorice is one of the most extensively used and scientifically investigated herbal medicines.

The medicinal use of licorice in both eastern and western cultures dates back several thousand years.

Used primarily as a demulcent, expectorant, antitussive and mild laxative. Licorice is one of the most popular components of Chinese medicine. Its traditional uses include the treatment of peptic ulcers, asthma,pharyngitis, malaria, abdominal pain, insomnia and infections.

Licorice as an ANTI-INFLAMMATORY / ANTI-ALLERGIC

– Licorice has significant anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activity, particularly in asthma and other atopic conditions. It does this by antagonising or counteracting the negative effects of cortisol. Negative aspects of cortisol activity include hepatic cholesterol synthesis, thymus atrophy, and adrenal atrophy(shrinkage).

This cortisol-like effect relates to its ability to inhibit phospholipase A2. This enzyme clears lipids from cellular membranes, thus beginning the manufacture of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Licorice and OESTROGEN BALANCING

– Licorice is believed to exert an alterative action on oestrogen metabolism, this would imply that it has an adaptogenic action peaking out the highs and lows of oestrogen.

Glycyrrhetinic acid antagonises many of the effects of oestrogens, particularly those from external sources (xeno-oestrogens).

Licorice for ADRENAL SUPPORT

- Licorice exerts steroidal effects of its own and demonstrates important clinical significance for the use in aiding withdrawal of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The hormonal supportive effects offered by licorice may be useful in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and adrenal exhaustion states.

Licorice as an IMMUNE STRENGTHENER

– Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid induce interferon - the body’s natural anti-viral compound. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses, namely, vacinia, herpes simplex, vesicular and stomatis viruses.

Licorice is ANTI-BACTERIAL

– Alcohol extracts of licorice have displayed anti-microbial activity against staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus mutans, mycobacterium smegmatis and Candida albicans.

The majority of its anti-microbial effects are due to its isoflavanoid components, with glycyrrhetinic acid and derivatives having a lesser antibacterial effect.

Licorice for LIVER SUPPORTIVE

– Glycyrrhetinic acid may inhibit chemical induced liver damage. It acts by preventing free radical damage as well as inhibiting the formation of free radicals.

Licorice as an EXPECTORANT

- Licorice is a helpful remedy for coughs as it facilitates the movement of mucus from the respiratory tract.

Licorice as an ANTI-ULCER

– Licorice derived compounds have the effect of raising the local concentration of those prostaglandins that promote mucus secretion and cell proliferation in the stomach, leading to the healing of ulcers. Needs to be taken 20 minutes prior to food for efficacy 

Dosage: 250 – 500mg 2 - 3 times daily. The Commission E advises that licorice should not be taken for longer than 6-8 weeks. Dosage is usually based on its glycyrrhetinic acid level.

Potential applications of Viridian's licorice:

Colds and viruses – Licorice has long been used to treat common cold symptoms and is effective against a

number of viruses particularly cold sores and genital herpes.

Pre-menstrual syndrome – Symptoms of pre-menstrual tension, depression, cravings, weight gain, breast tenderness has been attributed to an increase in the oestrogen to progesterone ratio. Both glycyrrhizin and glycyrhetinic acid possess anti-oestrogenic properties and suppress the breakdown of progesterone.

Addison’s disease – licorice exerts an ‘aldosterone-like’ effect that is useful in treating Addison’s disease ( a severe disease of adrenal insufficiency).

FOR

Directions: As a food supplement, take one capsule daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

One vegetarian capsule provides: