Licorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Plant Family & Name:
a. Fabaceae ("legume family")
b. Name is derived from the greek work "glukurrhiza" which means "sweet Habitat: Licorice is native to the Middle East, Southern Europe, and parts of
Parts Used: Root.
Herbal Actions:
Soothing demulcent in the digestive, urinary,and respiratory tract, secondary adaptogen extends the length of time cortisol is in circulation which takes the burden off of the adrenals to continue making cortisol), anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immunomodulator, antimicrobial, mild antispasmodic, nutritive.
Season: Spring/Fall
Taste: Sweet
Energetic Qualities:
Cooling, Moistening, Slimy.
Indications: For hot, irritated, damaged, or dry conditions. Sore throat, ulcers, Gl inflammation, dry cough, urinary irritation, UTI, interstitial cystitis, etc.
Body system affinities: Digestive, Respiratory, Urinary, Endocrine.
Synergizing: Licorice root has a rich amount of saponins that will pull constituents from other plants into solution. Licorice also increases absorption in the GI tract, so that herbs taken along with it, food, or medications are absorbed more readily. This is beneficial for the most part, though poses a safety concern with medications that are carefully titrated.
Formulating Notes: A very small amount goes a long way. Formulating with 3-5% of a formula will provide herbal actions, energetics, and synergizing activity. At this amount, safety considerations are not a concern.
Safety: Generally safe when used in small amounts (3-5% of a formula). Using higher doses can result in mineral deficiencies and hypertension over time. Avoid in cases of hypertension if dose can't be controlled.
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