Licorice (Yashtimadhu)

Overview

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most widely used herbs globally, valued in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western herbalism. Known in Sanskrit as Yashtimadhu—meaning "honey stick"—the root has a distinctive sweet taste that belies its powerful therapeutic properties. It has been used in Indian medicine for over 4,000 years as a rejuvenative and harmonizing herb.

In Ayurveda, Licorice balances all three doshas when used appropriately, though it primarily pacifies Vata and Pitta. The sweet (madhura) taste and cooling (sheeta) potency make it excellent for inflammatory conditions. It is classified as a Rasayana, promoting longevity and vitality. The root is typically used dried and powdered, though decoctions and extracts are also common.

Therapeutic Uses

Licorice is perhaps most renowned for respiratory health. It acts as an expectorant, demulcent, and antitussive—loosening mucus, soothing irritated tissues, and suppressing coughs. The herb is highly effective for sore throats, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic respiratory inflammation. Its antimicrobial properties help clear respiratory infections while the anti-inflammatory action reduces airway irritation.

For digestive health, Licorice soothes and heals the gastrointestinal tract. It increases mucus production in the stomach, protecting against ulceration and promoting healing of existing ulcers. Research confirms efficacy in peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and GERD. The herb's demulcent properties coat and protect inflamed tissues throughout the digestive tract.

Licorice provides significant adrenal support. Glycyrrhizin, a key compound, mimics cortisol and prolongs the action of endogenous cortisol by inhibiting its breakdown. This makes Licorice valuable for adrenal fatigue, chronic stress, and conditions requiring cortisol support. However, this mechanism also accounts for some of Licorice's contraindications.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Licorice are broad-spectrum. It inhibits inflammatory enzymes and provides antioxidant protection. These effects benefit arthritis, skin inflammations, and systemic inflammatory conditions. Topically, Licorice treats eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions.

Licorice demonstrates hepatoprotective properties, particularly beneficial in viral hepatitis. Research shows activity against hepatitis viruses and support for liver regeneration. The herb also exhibits antiviral activity more broadly, with traditional use in herpes and modern research exploring COVID-19 applications.

How to Use

Powder: Take 1/4 to 1 teaspoon (1-3 grams) of Licorice root powder with warm milk, honey, or water 1-2 times daily. The sweet taste makes it palatable without additives.

Decoction: Simmer 1 teaspoon of Licorice root chips or powder in 2 cups water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1/2 to 1 cup twice daily for respiratory or digestive support.

Tea: Licorice combines well with other herbs. Add to respiratory or digestive herbal blends. For sore throat, sip slowly to coat tissues.

Lozenges: Sucking on Licorice lozenges provides direct throat soothing. Particularly effective for acute throat irritation.

Topical Preparations: Licorice extracts or pastes can be applied to skin inflammations. Often found in skin care products for hyperpigmentation and inflammation.

DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice): For long-term digestive use, DGL removes glycyrrhizin, eliminating concerns about hypertension and electrolyte imbalance. Typical dose: 380-760 mg before meals.

Dosage

• Powder: 1-3 grams daily
• Decoction: 1/2 to 1 cup twice daily
• DGL: 380-760 mg before meals for digestive issues
• Tincture (1:5): 2-5 ml, 2-3 times daily

For acute conditions like sore throat, use as needed for symptom relief. For chronic conditions, limit continuous use to 4-6 weeks, then take a break or switch to DGL to avoid side effects from glycyrrhizin.

Contraindications

Licorice requires important precautions due to glycyrrhizin content. The herb can cause sodium retention, potassium loss, and increased blood pressure with prolonged use or high doses. Those with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or electrolyte imbalances should avoid Licorice or use DGL under professional supervision.

Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses of Licorice, as it may increase miscarriage risk and affect fetal development. It is contraindicated during lactation.

Licorice may interact with numerous medications including corticosteroids, diuretics, blood pressure medications, and digoxin. It can increase cortisol effects and potassium loss from diuretics. Consult healthcare providers if on medications.

Those with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis) should exercise caution, as Licorice has mild estrogenic effects. Men with low testosterone or erectile dysfunction should use cautiously, as long-term use may lower testosterone.

Avoid Licorice with diabetes medications, as it may affect blood sugar. Those with liver disorders should use under professional guidance, though paradoxically it is used to treat certain liver conditions.

Research and Evidence

Licorice is extensively researched with over 3,000 published studies. Its efficacy for peptic ulcer disease is well-documented, with clinical trials showing healing rates comparable to conventional medications. The compound glycyrrhizic acid has been isolated and studied extensively.

Respiratory benefits are supported by research on expectorant and antitussive mechanisms. A systematic review confirmed Licorice's efficacy in treating cough, with safety comparable to standard medications when used appropriately.

Antiviral properties have been demonstrated against herpes simplex, hepatitis viruses, HIV, and influenza. Glycyrrhizin inhibits viral replication through multiple mechanisms. During the SARS outbreak, Licorice was investigated for antiviral activity with promising results.

The anti-inflammatory mechanisms involve inhibition of phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase pathways. Topical Licorice has shown efficacy in atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions in clinical trials.

Adrenal support is pharmacologically validated—glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks down cortisol. This prolongs cortisol action, beneficial for adrenal fatigue but problematic with overuse.

Safety concerns center on glycyrrhizin-related effects. Pseudoaldosteronism (mimicking hyperaldosteronism) can occur with excessive or prolonged use. Studies suggest daily doses below 100 mg glycyrrhizin (about 3 grams root) for no more than 4-6 weeks are generally safe for most adults. DGL provides a safer alternative for long-term use.