Here
on the blog, I really like to focus on herbs that are sustainable, either
plants that are easily raised at home or readily identified and located in the
wild. And while licorice can apparently be grown easily, it takes several
years before harvesting it for medicine. So in this case, we need to make
an exception.
Licorice
is one powerful herb to add to the alternative medicine arsenal. It can
be grown at home. (I haven't tried it yet--hopefully in the new
house.) But because it has so many unique properties and fills needs no
other easily accessible herb can, it's one to have on hand.
Licorice
is the best synergist when dealing with Gram-negative bacteria (Shigella,
Salmonella, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Cholera,
etc.).[i]
Licorice works well with other herbs in treating these infections, as well as
with conventional pharmaceuticals, especially when using penicillins,
cephalosporins (Keflex), or fluoroquinolones (Cipro).[ii]
It is very rarely used alone and never for extended periods.
However,
licorice is employed more for its antiviral properties. Licorice is
extremely effective against:
- Dengue
- Enterovirus 71
- Hepatitis A, B, C and more
- Influenza A
- Measles
- Polio
- RSV
- Rotavirus
- SARS-related coronavirus
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Viral pneumonia
- West Nile
- Yellow fever[iii]
Unfortunately,
there is very little information on dosing for treating any of these
conditions. As licorice is never used
alone, but rather in conjunction with other herbs, presumably the licorice is
used as long as the other herbs are being administered.
Time
to harvest:
If you are growing your own or finding it in the wild, make sure the roots are
at least 3-4 years old. The roots have their greatest content of glycyrrhizin
in August and September. If you are purchasing licorice, Glycyrrhiza
glabra is best. Do not purchase deglycyrrhized licorice. It
won't work as an antiviral.
Medicinal
uses:
In addition to its antimicrobial uses, licorice is used to relieve a dry cough,
canker sores, and sore throat.[iv]
This sweet herb helps heal the mucosa, especially intestinal mucosa, and is
thus helpful when dealing with GERD, acid reflux, and peptic and duodenal
ulcers. Herbal practitioners also use licorice in treating adrenal
fatigue, chronic fatigue, and rheumatoid arthritis.[v]
PREPARATIONS
Capsules
or powder.
4 grams daily in three divided doses.[vi]
Tincture. 1:5 ratio of herb by
weight to fluid by volume, with the fluid being half 100-proof alcohol and half
water. The recommended dosage is 10 drops up to 3 times per day, when
combined with other herbs. Licorice is best used in formulas, not alone.[vii]
Studies show that glycyrrhizin is extracted better in slightly acidic
water, so
add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water. You can also purchase
licorice
tinctures online. Keep in mind, especially with licorice, that a
tincture is stronger than a tea. It functions like a corticosteroid,
and in large doses (or in people with high blood pressure or kidney problems) it can cause side effects of water retention and bloating.
Infusion. Simmer 1/2 - 1
teaspoon powdered root in 8 ounces water uncovered, and then strain.
Drink up to 3 cups per day. May be taken up to every two hours in acute
conditions.[viii]
Contraindications. Licorice is not for
use in people with hypertension, anemia, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, or low
testosterone levels. Short term use, ten days or less, in these people is
fine.[ix]
Cautions. Do not use
alone. Do not use for more than six weeks. Do not use if taking
estrogenic pharmaceuticals, glycosides, diuretics, spironolactone, amiloride,
corticosteroids, hydrocortisone.[x]
References:
[i]
Stephen Buhner, Herbal Antivirals,
219.
[iii]
Herbal Antivirals, 218.
[iv]
Joseph Alton, The Survival Medicine
Handbook, 83; Sam Coffman, The Herbal
Medic, 246.
[v]
Sam Coffman, The Herbal Medic, 246.
[vi]
Herbal Antivirals, 211.
[vii]
Herbal Antibiotics, 371.
[viii]
Herbal Antivirals, 211.
[ix]
Herbal Antivirals, 213.
[x]
Ibid.
