Authored by: Emily Cuthbert
Latin Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Standardized Common Name: Licorice
Other Common Names: Russian/Spanish/Turkish licorice

Family: Fabaceae
Parts Used: Root
Energetics:
- Taste (Rasa): Bitter
- Potency/Action (Virya): Cooling
- Post-digestion effect (Vipaka): Sweet
- Doshas: VP- K+
Constituents:
- Triterpenoid saponins
- Glycyrrhizic acid
- Glycyrrhetinic acid
- Responsible for most medicinal effects
- Mucilage
- Polysaccharides
- Demulcent
- Flavonoids
- Isoflavones
- Flavanones
- Phytosterols
- Amino acids
- Minerals
- Volatile oils
Actions: Glycyrrhiza glabra is a heavy and moistening herb, used in many formulas due to its excellent synergizing effects. Licorice creates a harmony between the herbs, causing them to work at their highest potential with paired with licorice. It also tends to mask or blend the flavors of herbs, usually leaving a sweet taste in the end.
- Demulcent
- Expectorant
- Adaptogen
- Rejuvenating tonic
- Nutritive
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antiviral
- Adrenal modulating
- Anti-allergenic
- Mild laxative
Indications: Coughs, sore throat, lung cleanse, respiratory infections (add ginger) lungs. Throat and stomach irritation, allergies, weakened states, menopause
Safety/Contraindications:
- Not for use in cases of high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney or liver damage
- Avoid during pregnancy
- Interacts with many drugs: ACE-inhibitors, hormonal birth control, diuretics, etc.
Toxicity: hypertension, vertigo, headache
Preparations and Doses:
- *Only use for up to 6 weeks before taking a break
- Powdered Herb: 200-500 mg
- Tea: 1 oz/ 1 qt of water; drink throughout the day
References:
- Frawley D, Lad V. The Yoga of Herbs: an Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass; 2016.
- Marciano M, Vizniak NA. Evidence Informed Botanical Medicine. Canada: Professional Health Systems Inc.; 2015.
- Skenderi G. Herbal Vade Mecum: 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, Etc., Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution. Rutherford, NJ: Herbacy Press; 2004.
- Tilgner S. Herbal Medicine: from the Heart of the Earth. Creswell, OR: Wise Acres; 2020.