Licorice

(Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Also called: Gan cao.

Source: Native to and commercially cultivated in Europe and Asia. It also grows in North and South America and Australia.
The variety of liquorice used in Western herb traditions is G. glabra: it originates in the Mediterranean region and Middle East and has been cultivated in Europe since at least the 16th century.
The Chinese use an Asian species, G. uralensis (Gan Coo), which has similar actions.

Part used: root

Actions: anti-arthritic. anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cooling, lowers cholesterol levels, expectorant, mild laxative, soothing for gastric mucosa, tonic stimulant fo adrenal cortex, possibly anti-allergenic

Liquorice has a hormonal effect, stimulating the adrenal cortex due to the presence of glycyrrhizin which is some 50 times sweeter than sucrose, and encourages production of such hormones as hydro­cortisone.
The plant is very soothing and demulcent, making it ideal for gastric ulceration.
It is also a digestive stimulant and laxative and is often used for constipation.

Liquorice is one of the most widely researched an respected medicinal herbs: it has been used since least 500 BC and drugs based on liquorice extracts an still listed in official pharmacopoeia as remedies for gastric ulcers and inflammation.

It is regarded as one of the most important of Chinese tonics it is called the "great detoxifier" or "great harmoniser' and is believed to drive toxins and poison from the system and also eliminate harmful side effect of other herbs. Pieces of Chinese liquorice root are often given to children to chew in order to promote muscle growth.
The Greeks called liquorice Sythian root and used it for asthma and coughs.

Medicinal Uses: Stomach or duodenal ulcers, premenstrual tension, congestion of the upper respiratory tract, coughs, low adrenal function.

Part used: Root.

Forms available: Teas, capsules, tinctures, extracts, tablets, candy. Used in many traditional Chinese formulas; some products are standardised to 12 per cent glycyrrhizin.

Caution: Excessive liquorice can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure and should be avoided by anyone suffering from hypertension.
Do not use if you have high blood pressure, heart or liver disease or diabetes, or are pregnant.
It should not be taken by those on digoxin-based drugs.
May interact with diuretics or digitalis.
Do not exceed recommended dose; stop use after six weeks.