Licorice, aka Glycyrrhiza glabra, is not only an adaptogen, but also an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulator.  This plant is native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia.  Licorice’s taste (and energy) is sweet, slightly bitter, warm and moist.  The active components are sweet tasting triterpenoid saponins (known as glycrrhizin), isoflavones, demulcent polysaccharides, and anti-inflammatory flavonoids. 

Historical Usage

Licorice has been used for a long time as a food and medicine in China and the Middle East.  Ancient Greeks used licorice to treat respiratory diseases as well as problems of the stomach throat, liver, and kidneys.   In ancient China, licorice was considered a principle drug among all drugs and may be the most commonly used herb in classical prescriptions.    The ancient Chinese text written by Tao Hong-jing in the fifth or sixth century CE states that licorice is used to balance the five viscera (organs) and six bowels.  It also reports that licorice strengthens the sinews and bones, enhances muscle growth and strength, and is used topically to heal wounds.

Current Use

In modern Chinese medicine, licorice is used to strengthen the stomach and spleen qi.  It stops diarrhea and relieves fatigue, lack of appetite, and gastric irritation.  It is used to clear heat and dispel toxins specifically bacterial infections.  Western uses of licorice include a number of new uses such as an effective adaptogen, immune amphoteric, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective agent.  As an adaptogen, licorice benefits the HPA axisfunction and the sympathoadrenal system.  Because it is an immunomodulator, licorice can be used to stimulate immune system function in people with cancer and chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome.  Licorice also is of significant benefit for people with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.  It is a prominent remedy for gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers. 

Usage

There are a number of different ways to take licorice.  As always talk to your health care practitioner before adding it to your regime.  There are many warnings in the medical and popular literature about the dangers of licorice.  Yet it has been used safely for thousands of years in Europe, the middle east, and China.  The reason for the discrepancy is that excess licorice can cause a condition known as hyperaldosteremia (you retain sodium and loose potassium which raises blood pressure).   As with most things, moderation is important when using herbs, and traditional formulas and dosages often offer guidelines for safe use today.  Also, talk with your health care provider if you are on a steroid such as prednisone as licorice increases the effectiveness. 

My favorite way to enjoy this adaptogen is in a licorice and holy basil combination tea from Organic India which can be found at your local health food store.