Liquorice Description

What is it?

'Glycyrrhiza glabra' Cultivated in Turkey and Greece, the liquorice plant is a member of the pea family. Its root contains glycyrrhizin, which its main active ingredient. There is another form of liquorice called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice), which has glycyrrhizin removed, and which can be used at higher intakes without raising blood pressure.

Traditional use

Liquorice containing glycyrrhizin is used to help reduce inflammation and ease coughs, sore throats and other respiratory illnesses. It is used to reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and aids recovery from hepatitis. Liquorice can also be used as a cream to treat eczema. The DGL form of liquorice, which has the active ingredient glycyrrhizzin removed, helps combat indigestion.

Who could benefit?

People suffering from coughs, colds and other respiratory illnesses. People with eczema. DGL wafers can help people with indigestion or mouth ulcers. People with hepatitis. People with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

How to buy/take

For inflammatory conditions, fatigue and other disorders, take liquorice extract standardised to contain 22% glycyrrhizin, three times a day in 200mg doses. For indigestion, chew two to four 380mg DGL wafers three times a day. For eczema, apply cream containing liquorice extract to the affected area three to four times a day.

Side effects/ contra-indications

Glycyrrhizin found in liquorice raises blood pressure and so should be avoided if you have heart, kidney or liver disease, if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant or are taking diuretics or digitalis. If you take liquorice for more than a month, you should have your blood pressure monitored. DGL liquorice, however, has glycyrrhizin removed, and so does not cause blood pressure to be raised.