Licorice

An amazing herb but use with caution! It’s root has an impressive list of well documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal remedies. It is used for many ailments including asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections, prostate enlargement and arthritis.

Licorice root contains many anti-depressant compounds and is an excellent alternative to St. John’s Wort. As a herbal medicine it has an impressive list of well documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal wonders.

Licorice also appears to enhance immunity by boosting levels of interferon, a key immune system chemical that fights off attacking viruses. It also contains powerful antioxidants as well as certain phytoestrogens that can perform some of the functions of the body’s natural estrogens; very helpful during the menopause. It has an aspirin-like action and is helpful in relieving fevers and soothing pain such as headaches. Its anti-allergenic effect is very useful for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma.

Standard dosage for licorice tea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is 1 to 5 grams of dried licorice root steeped in boiling water, consumed three times daily. Prepared licorice teas and extract, which you can add to hot water, are also available.

Occasionally when we feel like it, we would have a cup of licorice tea after dinner, two to three times a week. For my little 6 year old, my limit for her is no more than 5 teaspoonfuls. On days when fever, coughs and/or colds triggers; we would increase our licorice tea intake to 2 to 3 cups a day for consecutively 3 to 5 days. Drinking it while lukewarm is most effective. On safer ground, licorice should not be consumed every day for longer than two weeks! Take breaks.

WARNINGS

Licorice root is not intended for use during pregnancy and while nursing, or if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.

Licorice should not be consumed longer than two weeks and is unsuitable for pregnant women. Prolonged use may cause potassium depletion and sodium retention resulting in symptoms of hypertension, edema, headache and vertigo. Not for use by persons with hypertension, hypo-kalemia, edema, cirrhosis of the liver, cholestatic liver disorders, and diabetes.

Children with body weights above 50 pounds (22 kg) can drink 1/3 a cup of licorice tea three times a day for sore throat treatment. Licorice tea should never be given to children who weigh less than 50 pounds or to infants. Licorice extracts also interact with many prescription drugs.