Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is an adaptogen herb.  Adaptogens are herbs help balance and strengthen the body when it is under stress. Its botanical name Glycyrrhiza means 'sweet root', an appropriate name due to the intense sweet flavor of the root.  

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Licorice Root is used as an anti-inflammatory.  It is also used for 'female' issues, colds and digestive problems (gastrointestinal).  Licorice root is also commonly used in TCM to create 'harmony' between herbs in a formula, and to increase their potency.   Licorice has been found to lower cortisol.  Licorice has been used to raise immunity, protect the thymus from cortisol and increase energy.

Cortisol is a 'stress' hormone; it is responsible for the 'fight or flight' reaction in humans which increases blood pressure in preparation for combat or injury.   Elevated levels of cortisol can lead to anxiety, increased weight and can conditions in the body conducive to cardiac and blood sugar issues.  Elevated levels of cortisol also contribute to premature aging due to the continued stress on the body, resulting in what some have called 'burnout'.  

One of the components of Licorice is glycyrrhizin, which can be beneficial for peptic ulcer sufferers because it promotes the production of mucus in the digestive tract. In some persons, glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure.  Persons with hypertension (high blood pressure) can use DGL, a form of Licorice Root which has had the glycyrrhizin removed.   Please consult your healthcare practitioner before using Licorice is you have any health issues.  

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 FAMILIAR NAME:

 Sweet Wood, Pink Grass, Sweat Herb, Gu Lao

SCIENTIFIC :

 Glycyrrhiza Uralensis

ORDER:

 Legume

PART USED:

 Root

GROWN IN:

 Asia