Liquorice Root overview

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a drawing of the Liquorice plant

Licorice or Liquorice
Sweet Root, Liquinzia, Reglissa, Sweet Wood, Black Sugar, Gan-cao
Glycyrrhiza glabra

Family: FABACEAEA

The botanical name for licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, means sweet root, because it is very sweet about 50 times sweeter than sucrose. Licorice contains a substance called glycyrrhizin. This explains why Hippocrates named it “Sweet Root” liquorice is also commonly known as Sweet Wood and Black Sugar ^[1] .

Licorice is a special favourite of mine for treating adrenal exhaustion, anxiety, depression, irritability and stress-related conditions as I have seen some amazing recoveries.

Flowers of the Liquorice plant

Licorice root is used to sweeten foods and drinks and to flavour beer and condition and flavour tobacco. Hundreds of tons of licorice are used by all countries today for food, medicines, beverages, pills, confections and lozenges. It is well known for the traditional licorice lollies.

Licorice is a hardy variable perennial legume bush that grows to 1.5 metre high, sometimes called a “survival food”. It’s roots grow deep into the soil and are the part used for conditions as well as flavouring.

Liquorice Root uses

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A sweet delight which treats many ailments infesting todays society
Licorice root has an impressive list of well-documented therapeutic uses is one of the more widely consumed herbs in the world.

This herb needs to be taken in small doses no more than 2 cups per day or if taken in herbal tincture as prescribed by a your Health Professional.

Conditions Licorice root tea are known to help ^{[2] [3] [4]} :

Acne Addison's Disease Adrenal Exhaustion Adrenal Glands Age Spots Anxiety Arthritis Asthma Athlete's foot Baldness Blood Purifier Body odour Boils Bronchitis Bursitis Cancer Canker sores Chronic fatigue Colds and flu Conjunctivitis Candida Constipation Cough Dandruff Depression Detoxifies

Drug Withdrawal Emphysema Endometriosis Endurance Energy Female Problems Fungal infections Heartburn HIV Hoarseness Hyperactivity (ADHD) Gingivitis and tooth decay Gout Gum Disease Immune System Irritability Irritable Bowel Syndrome Laryngitis Leaky Gut Syndrome Liver problems Lyme disease Longevity Lungs Malaria Melanomas Menopause

Mucous Membranes Pancreas Pernicious Anemia Peptic Ulcers Pneumonia Prostate enlargement Psoriasis Shingles Senility Sex Stimulant Sore Throat Stress Syphilis Tendonitis Thrush Tonic Toothache Tubercolosis Ulcers Viral infections Vitality Yeast infections Why wait for Wholesome Good Health tincture Quantity: 50ml for AUD$50.00 postage extra

Isabell Shippard ^[5] states ^[6] that people who have taken licorice root to support the adrenals find stress, worry and negative attitudes fall away, and that they have strength and energy to cope with their daily life and without the doped out sensations caused by tranquilizers and drugs and that the opinion of LaDean Griffin ^[7] , the American author of a number of natural health books, “that many who suffer in mental institutions could be helped with this wonderful herb”



  Contra-indications:  Taken over a long period of time, or in large doses, it can cause sodium and water retention which elevates the blood pressure and may cause pains in the heart.

Not to be used whilst Pregnant or breastfeeding, taking digoxin-based medication, or if you have kidney disease, anaemia or hypertension.

  People with the following conditions should not take licorice: 

• Heart failure
• Heart disease
• Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer
• Fluid retention
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low potassium (hypokalemia)
• Erecetile dysfunction

Liquorice Root actions

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This herb needs to be taken in small doses no more than 2 cups per day or if taken in herbal tincture as prescribed by a your Health Professional.

Actions ^{[2] [3] [4] [8]} :

alterative antibacterial antifungal antiinflammatory antispasmodic antiviral aperient

aphrodisiac cathartic demulcent diuretic emmenagogue emollient expectorant

laxative refrigerant oestrogenic pectoral stomachic tonic

Liquorice Root constituents

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Constituents ^{[9] [10]}

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, E
Minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chromium, cobalt, selenium, silicon, zinc

Licorice root contains asparagin, a natural pain reliever and contains healing, nutritional and rejuvenating properties and aids endurance helping you to go the extra mile.

The root contains a number of steroid hormones, which closely resemble Deoxycortone which is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, an important endocrine gland which controls many vital bodily functions, including your metabolic rate at which the body burns energy. A slight deficiency of the hormones produced by the adrenal vortex can cause such symptoms as fatigue, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and overweight due to a slow metabolic rate.

chopped liquorice root

The steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex also cause the liver to release stored glycogen which burns stored energy.

Licorice root is a well known natural substitute for cortisone in the treatment of Addison's disease.

The adrenal cortical hormones maintain proper blood pressure and balance the chemistry of the gastrointestinal tract. Deficiency in these hormones, lead to a number of gastrointestinal complaints like severe heartburn and stomach ulcers.

Licorice is known as an aphrodisiac and is used for fertility, as a tonic and digestion aid, it strengthens the respiratory system, removes mucous from the body, is an antiinflamitory, eliminates water retention and is a mild laxative and is used for Laryngitis and will restore your voice. Chewing the root is known to help people giving up smoking.

Menopause hot flushes are relieved by Licorice root as it has Estroil a Natural Estrogen ^[11] .

Liquorice root with detail

Licorice contains tannin, and the compounds glycyrrhetinic-acid and glycyrrhizin. All of these help speed the healing of sores and a mouthwash of Licorice root tea in one study provided relief for mouth ulcers and canker sores from 75 percent of the people who used it. The people that used this remedy got relief and improvement within one day and complete healing by the third day.

CAUTION: Taken over a long period of time, or in large doses, it can cause sodium and water retention which elevates the blood pressure and may cause pains in the heart. Not to be used whilst Pregnant, taking digoxin-based medication, or if you have kidney disease, anaemia or hypertension.

This herb needs to be taken in small doses no more than 2 cups per day or if taken in herbal tincture form then take only as prescribed by a Health Professional.

Liquorice Root history

Ancient gatherers of Liquorice Root

The use of Licorice root has been used medicinally for over 3000 years and was recorded on Assyrian tablets and Egyptian papyri and is a valuable remedy in many varied conditions ^[12] .

Old Mesopotamian clay tablets gave many uses for using licorice as a medicine and it was known as the elixir of life and cure all.

The Babylonians, Chinese, Hindus, Greeks and Romans, all knew the value of licorice as a medicine.

The use of the Liquorice plant was first learnt by the Greeks from the Scythians. Theophrastus (third century B.C.), in commenting on the taste of different roots, instances the sweet Scythian root which grows in the neighbourhood of the Lake Maeotis (Sea of Azov), and is good for asthma, dry cough and all pectoral diseases^[13].

from the Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism:

Glycyrrhiza glabraL LEGUMINOSAE Liquorice Licorice Liquorice has been used medicinally for 3000 years and was recorded on Assyrian tablets and Egyptian papyri. It was known as Scythian root to Theophrastus and the old names glycyrrhiza and radix dulcis reflected the sweet taste of the roots. Liquorice is a corruption of the medieval gliquiricia, itself from glycyrrhiza. Now grown on a wide scale, it does not appear to have been cultivated in Central or Western Europe until the fifteenth century, and it was first introduced to the Pontefract district of England by the Dominican Black Friars. Description Herbaceous perennial, 50 cm-1.5 m tall, on primary taproot 15 cm long which sub-divides into 3-5 subsidiary roots 1.25 m in length and several horizontal stolons which may reach 8 m. Erect stem bearing 4-7 pairs of leaflets 2.5-5 cm long, ovate, glutinous beneath. Inflorescence of 20-30 lilac-blue flowers 1 cm long in loose racemes 10-15 cm long, arising in leaf axils. Appearing mid to late summer, followed by reddish-brown pod, 1-2.5 cm long. Distribution Europe to West Pakistan. On deep sandy rich soils, preferably in river valleys. Cultivation Wild plant, although rarely wild in central and western Europe and more common in eastern Europe. Introduced to temperate zones, and extensively cultivated in Russia, Persia, Spain and India. Propagated by root division in autumn; roots harvested from 3-4-year-old plants in early winter. Several varieties exist, the commonest are var. typica and var. glandulifera. Constituents Glycyrrhizin (5-10%), comprising calcium and potassium salts of glycyrrhizic acid; flavonoid glycosides, liquiritoside and isoliquiritoside ; sucrose and dextrose (5-10%) ; starch (30%) ; protein; fat; resin; asparagin; volatile oil; saponins. Uses (dried root-stock, dried extract) Demulcent; expectorant; laxative; spasmolytic; antiinflammatory. Of value in coughs and bronchitis, and in the treatment of gastric ulcers; also has a mineralo-corticoid action in treatment of Addison's disease. Once used as an eye lotion for use on inflamed eyelids. Used as a sweetening agent and flavouring in pharmaceutical preparations, and once in the powdered form as a base in pill manufacture. Used to flavour some beers such as Guinness. Large quantities are employed in tobacco flavouring (some tobaccos contain10% Liquorice), in snuff manufacture, and in confectionery. Root pulp incorporated in insulating mill board, and mushroom compost. Contra- indications Large doses may cause sodium retention and potassium loss leading to water retention, hypertension, headache and shortness of breath.

  Please Note  This herb needs to be taken in small doses no more than 2 cups per day.

Liquorice Root tea

tincture Quantity: 50ml for AUD$50.00 postage extra

Liquorice Root tea

Why choose a Herbal Tea?

Plants produce a vast range of substances - phyto-chemical s - which are very beneficial in restoring and maintaining health in we humans without side-effects. We believe that they are perfectly suited to preventative and curative health care because they are natural and harmonious to our bodies.

If you do not have fresh Liquorice Root nearby or are not confident you can identify Liquorice Root then dried material is the next best way to obtain their beneficial influence.

How long will Liquorice Root tea keep it's potency?

Stored properly - in an air-tight glass container away from direct sunlight - Liquorice Root tea will keep for up to 18 months without losing it's potency. If you are dealing with the onset of a severe condition we suggest it may be worth purchasing fresh material to have complete confidence in its healing potency.

When should I drink my Tea?

For best absorption, consume herbal teas 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids to avoid diluting it while it is in your digestive tract.

Caring for your Liquorice Root herbal tea

If you don't plan on using the tea immediately, it's best to keep it unopened and away from direct sunlight (in a closed cupboard or drawer). Exposed to the air it may absorb moisture and humidity, so if they are opened, reseal them tightly, or (preferably) put it in a glass jars with a tight-fitting lid (avoid metal containers).

Most will never require refrigeration or freezing - just keep them at average room temperature (70-80 degrees). Generally, the "shelf-life" for optimum freshness will be about a year if stored properly.

If you live in a warm, high humidity area, it may be impossible to keep moisture out of regularly opened and closed glass containers, and the plants may become mouldy. If this happens, discard them and purchase fresh ones. To prevent mould, try storing them in paper lunch bags so they can “breathe” (although this will reduce the shelf-life significantly).

Making an Infusion

pour a cup after it has infused

Preparing an infusion is just like making a cup of tea but allowing more time for the water to absorb the Liquorice Root essence.

Pour boiling water over the tea (use a glass, stainless steel or ceramic vessel), cover it and allow to soak/steep for 20 minutes or so. Stirring it a few times while steeping is helpful - and is an ideal opportunity to focus your mind on the benefits it will bring to you.

Generally use 1 teaspoon of dried Liquorice Root in a 250ml cup of water is sufficient. The standard dosage is one teacup (250ml), two or three times daily.

For convenience, your entire day's dosage can be prepared at night (2-3 cups at one time) and left overnight and then refrigerated for use throughout the day. You can drink it cold or heat it if you want it warm.

Making a Decoction

Because some tea (with bark, stems or roots in them) contains tough, woody material, a decoction is the recommended method for making your medicine.

Instead of just soaking it in hot water, the plant material is boiled for a longer period of time to soften the thicker woody pieces and release its active constituents.

Use a ceramic, glass or enamel pot with a snug fitting lid, if you don't have one then a stainless steel pot is good but definitely not aluminium or teflon.

Add the amount of herb needed (1 teaspoon per 250ml of water) to the proper amount of cold water in the pot depending on how many doses you wish to prepare.

Turn the heat to medium high and bring to a vigorous boil then put the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle but cheerful simmer for 20 minutes.

If you can see steam escaping or smell the aroma of the herb, your lid is not tight enough and valuable essential oils may be escaping.

After 20 minutes, remove from heat and cool slightly, for maximum potency we encourage you to let it stand overnight.

Strain the mixture through a tea strainer into a wide-necked bottle, jug or cup, making sure to press on the material in the strainer with a spoon or similar to get as much of the liquid/decoction out of the material as possible.

Standard dosages for decoction are generally one-half to one cup, two or three times daily.

A day's dosage can be prepared the prior evening (2-3 cups at one time), allowed to continue to soak while it cools overnight to ensure maximum potency and refrigerated until ready to use throughout the next day.

Liquorice Root tincture

tincture Quantity: 50ml for AUD$50.00 postage extra

Is it Safe for me to take Liquorice Root Tincture?

If you have any concerns or apprehensions please use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service so that we can make sure that what you want is completely safe for your situation or condition.

We especially encourage you to get in touch if you have any of the following health problems or conditions:

An enlarged prostate gland Are preganant or breast-feeding Blood clotting problems Cancer Diabetes

Epilepsy Glaucoma Heart disease High blood pressure Immune system problems

Liver problems Psychiatric problems Parkinson's disease Stroke Thyroid problems

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You have two options when you purchase Liquorice Root tincture:

1. For external use which you can apply externally to the soles of your feet or topically on an external condition - you can purchase these without a consultation.
2. For internal use. If you wish to take it internally because of the potency of these tinctures you need to be sure they will not cause complications with an existing health condition or prescribed drugs you may be taking.

Liquorice Root tincture

If you are in any doubt about the possibility Liquorice Root tincture causing complications with prescription drugs or a medical condition you may have please get in touch so that we can advise you on the suitability of a particular tincture.

Especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

You can have an online consultation or visit our clinic for a thorough consultation if you wish to purchase our potent tinctures for internal use.

There are fewer concerns when using Liquorice Root tincture externally and our many years of experience has shown that the tincture is just as effective being applied into the soles of the feet or applied topically on external conditions where they will be absorbed into your system.

Our clients who have come for a consultation use the same tincture internally and we recommend they take half an eyedropper (about 1.5ml) of herbal tincture in a small glass of water three times per day for adults and a quarter of an eyedropper in a small glass of water for children.

Liquorice Root tincture is a potent liquid extract made from organic Liquorice Root. It is a concentrated way of getting herbal medicine into your body easily especially applying them to the soles of your feet. Once a tincture is prepared, it has an extremely long shelf life. Tinctures should be kept in a cool, dark cupboard to maintain their potency.

If you are on any prescribed medication we strongly advise you to use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service to make sure that the medication and potent Liquorice Root tincture are compatible.

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making medicine for internal use

How to Use Liquorice Root Tincture internally

How do I prepare my Liquorice Root Tincture?

Just add the recommended dosage - which is usually 1.5ml or one eyedropperfull - to a glass of drinking water or any other cold drink.

Then drink it.

When should I drink my Liquorice Root Tincture?

For best absorption, consume herbal tinctures 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids to avoid diluting it while it is in your digestive tract.

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How to Use our Tinctures externally

how to apply a tincture to the soles of your feet

If you are treating an external condition - such as a skin infection - then simply apply the tincture directly to the site using the eyedropper or a suitable swab.

If you are treating an internal condition then the best way to get the tincture into your body is through the soles of your feet. The skin is a highly absorptive organ and the feet have the reflexology facility which helps get the healing properties of the herbs right to the place inside you where they will do the most good.

If you don't have someone to do it for you, the easiest way we've found is to apply it sitting down. Rest one foot on your other leg's thigh (use a towel to make sure the tincture doesn't drip on your furniture or clothes), squirt a small amount of tincture onto the palm of one hand (about 1.5ml or half an eyedropper), rub it gently into the sole of your foot. In most cases you will find it has been absorbed within 30 seconds or so - you'll know when your foot feels dry. Then do the same to your other foot and the treatment is complete.

Liquorice Root cultivation

Flowers of the Liquorice plant

The plant is native to the Mediterranian and SW Asia but is cultivated in many countries now for its commercial use. It takes about 3 years before the root is ready to harvest.

Soil and Climate

^[14]Liquorice is a hardy plant and occurs in nature on rich forest soils, acidic to slightly alkaline soils (pH 5.5 to 8.2). It inhabits dry cold temperature to Mediterranean climates where annual temperature varies from 250C (summer) and 50C in winter season.

Liquorice grows best in deep valleys, well-drained soils, with full sun, and is harvested in the autumn, two to three years after planting.

Sandy loam fertile soils having pH of 6 to 8.2 have been found to promote better root development in India. The plant thrives in locations receiving 50-100 cm of rainfall annually and cultivation supported with irrigation; irrigation beneficial for higher root yield.

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