Chinese Licorice Benefits

Chinese licorice root is an ancient herbal remedy commonly used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Its primary use is as a detoxifying agent and expectorant, although it displays many other properties potentially beneficial for health. Chinese licorice is used alone or mixed with other herbal remedies for enhancement and to limit side effects. Like most herbal remedies, Chinese licorice root has not been scientifically investigated to the satisfaction of American health authorities, so it should not be thought of as a cure for any particular disease as of yet. Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of any herbal supplement.

Chinese licorice, or Glycyrrhiza uralensis, is a perennial plant native to China and should not be confused with the licorice species from Europe or America, such as Glycyrrhiza glabra. Chinese licorice, also called "sweet herb" and "beauty grass," has different properties than other species of licorice. In China, it’s also referred to as "the great detoxifier" because of the various toxins it’s reputed to be able to remove from the body, according to the book “The Way of Chinese Herbs.” The root of Chinese licorice is the part most used medicinally as it contains many beneficial substances including glycyrrhizin, plant sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root is one of the most important herbs for treating disease and promoting good health, along with ginseng and green tea.

Some of the compounds in Chinese licorice root display anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic, demulcent and mild laxative properties, according to “Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.” Consequently, the herb may be helpful for boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, fighting mild infections, combating oxidation damage from free radicals and promoting regular bowel movements, although scientific studies need to be conducted before any specific recommendations can be made.

Due to its varied properties, Chinese licorice root is recommended for a wide-variety of conditions and symptoms, such as sore throat, tooth decay, gingivitis, canker sores, chronic coughing, bronchitis, influenza, other bacterial and viral infections, arthritis, gout, gastritis, stomach ulcers, indigestion, constipation, enlarged prostate, and liver and pancreatic conditions. Ask your doctor if taking herbs such as Chinese licorice can interfere with common pharmaceutical drugs recommended for the above mentioned conditions. Herbalists and naturopaths may also be good sources of information about the benefits and side effects of Chinese licorice.

Chinese licorice root is generally considered safe in moderate doses, although it may increase blood pressure and heart rate in very large doses. Consequently, you should be cautious taking it if you have hypertension or heart disease. Chinese licorice root is available in capsules, tablets, herbal teas, syrups and extracts. Extracts are usually the most potent herbal preparation, so if you are concerned about your reaction to Chinese licorice, consider initially consuming a tea form instead.

The Way of Chinese Herbs; Michael TierraChinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica; Dan Bensky et al.Article reviewed by Molly Solanki Last updated on: Jul 6, 2012

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