Common Name: Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra L.; Licorice; yashtimadhu, guang guo gan caop, Gan Cao,; Russian, Spanish or Turkish Licorice

Family

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Part Used

Dried roots and rhizomes

Active constituents

Triterpene saponins, glycyrrhizin in a mixture of potassium and calcium salts

Actions

Anti-inflammatory, adaptogen, antiviral, antispasmodic, laxative, estrogenic, taste improver, antiulcerogenic, expectorant, demulcent, sweet tonic, mucoprotective, adrenal tonic, anti-tussive, anticariogenic

Chinese Therapeutic Actions: (from Chen and Chen; and Ross) 1. Tonifies Spleen and Benefits the Qi:  spleen and Stomach deficiencies; 2. Moistens the Lung and stops cough;

3. Relieves Pain-Epigastric, abdominal, Musculoskeletal and smooth muscle pain and cramps; e.g. epigastric or abdominal cramps from Spleen qi Deficiency with Liver Stagnation; 4. Clears Heat and eliminates Toxins; 5. Clear Stomach and Intestine heat-; 5.Treats poisonings; 6.  Harmonizes other herbs

Indications

Gastric and duodenal ulceration, gastroesophageal reflux, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, dymsmenorrhea, muscle cramps, adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease,  Upper respiratory catarrh, shortness of breath, cough,  bronchitis, fatigue; palpitations; tonify Kidney qi so it is an adrenocortical enhancer and a hypertensive.  Very useful during the withdrawal of corticosteroids; recovery from adrenocortical insufficiency subsequent to prolonged corticosteroid use, recovery from burnout due to stress, and diseases with chronic exhaustion.; fresh or unprocessed can be used internally or topically on sores, recurrent mouth ulcers and herpes lesions, erysipelas or on burns mixed with honey; hepatoprotective-reduces potential side effects of radi- or chemotherapy; gastric ulcer. Especially with burning sensation especially as side effects of NSAIDs or corticosteroids.; moderates harsh or adverse effects from other herbs; Aconite, Fu Ling's toxicity is neutralized; can be used to moderate the temperature of hot or cold herbs.; Treats poisonings; lead, arsenic, herbicide or pesticide, drug or food

Cautions

The big caution is the hypertensive mineral cortical effect of Licorice; Just a note that the cases of hypertension occurred in cases that had massive overdoses of Licorice; maximum dose in people is 15 grams of herbal root a day.; if on for prolonged periods, eat a high potassium, low sodium diet

Contraindications

If existing hypertension, cholestatic disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, hypokalemia, chronic renal insufficiency, and during pregnancy(however low doses are likely to be safe)

Herb Drug Interactions

No long term use with thiazide and loop diuretics or cardiac glycosides; might prolong the half-life of systemic corticosteroids as it is a inhibitor of 11 Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.;

Potentiates the anti-inflammatory effect of cortisol

reduce the adverse effect of cortisol to inhibit ACTH synthesis

Dosage (use animal doses where available, otherwise human doses can be included here but specify)

Small animal: Dried herb; 25-300 mg/kg, divided TID; Infusion: 5-30 g per cup of water, 1/3-1/2 cup per 10 kg, divided TID; tincture: 1:2-1:3: 0.5-1.0 ml per 10 kg divided TID and diluted

Dried Herb: Horse: 15-45 g; Pig: 2-6 g; Cattle: 30-60 g; dog: 1-4 g