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 Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae)
LIQUORICE, REGLISSE, LACRISSE
One of the most used medicines of
the ancient world, the root is still given by herbalists for peptic ulcers,
bronchitis, and rheumatism. Chinese medicine prescribes it for similar
complaints. Orthodox medicine gives extracts for peptic ulcers.
Liquorice was one of the most widely known medicines in ancient history,
and records of its use abound in manuscripts ranging from the Assyrian tablets of about 2,000BC to
Chinese herbals from the same period. Today, liquorice extracts are used in pharmaceutical drugs for peptic ulcers,
and as a general flavouring for drugs and foods. Native to Europe and Asia, liquorice is widely grown around the world,
and several species have been used for commercial extracts. A complex of thick roots sends up
erect stems bearing leaves of oval leaflets and clusters of small pink to violet flowers during mid- to late summer.
PARTS USED
Root.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Glycyrrhizin; glycyrrhetinic
acid; flavonoids and isoflavonoids; coumarins.
ACTIONS
Stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland;
soothes internal body surfaces; antiinflammatory; expectorant; reduces muscle tension and spasm;
mimics oestrogen; antiallergic; a liver protectant.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for peptic ulcers, which it both relieves and heals,
bronchial catarrh, sore throats, gastritis (stomach inflammation), rheumatic conditions,
and mild allergic asthma. One of the most widely used herbs in Chinese prescriptions,
when it is given for abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, chesty coughs, dry sore throats, abscesses, and hepatitis.
PREPARATIONS
Extract, tincture, tablets, pharmaceutical preparations.
CAUTION
Long term usage at high doses may cause sodium retention, low potassium levels, and high blood pressure.
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