Licorice Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients

Liquorice root is a good concomitant with most herbs and enhances their effectiveness, when taken in small doses.
Howerver, Liquorice root must not be taken indiscriminately, or in large doses. Please consult a doctor before consuming it.

High Blood Pressure: Liquorice may cause High Blood Pressure if taken in high dosage. It has an Aldosterone like effect. (Aldosterone is a corticosteroid horLicoricemone which stimulates the absorption of sodium by the kidneys and so regulates water and salt balance.) Excess Licorice root may cause sodium retention and thus cause high blood pressure.

Heart Diseases: People with Heart problems, should not take Licorice, as it may make the things worse. It may cause Irregular Heartbeat and heart failure.

High Doses of Liquorice may deplete the Potassium in the Blood. It may give rise to a condition known as Hypertonia. Avoid the usage if your potassium level is already low.
Avoid use during Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: Pregnant or nursing mothers avoid the usage. It may cause premature delivery and miscarriage.
Avoid Liquorice after any kind of surgery.
Prolonged use may cause Headaches, Water Retention and Bloating.

If you specifically want to use it to reduce Libido, then, that will be its proper use. It may disturb balance the Testosterone hormone in Men. Men may lose interest in their sex life and may face problem of Erectile Dysfunction.
Females should avoid prolonged usage. It may act like Estrogen. It increases the risk of Breast Cancer, Uterine Cancer and Ovary Cancer.
Avoid during Premenstrual Syndrome.
Avoid usage in case of Water Retention, Diabetes, Glaucoma, Heart Disease, Kidney Problems, High Blood Pressure and Stroke. It may make the things worst.
Do not take if you have a Liver Cirrhosis.
Avoid using for more than 6 weeks.
It may cause electrolyte imbalances.
Other noted side effects are Edema, Dizziness, Numbness and Hypokalemia.

Drug Interaction:
Taking Liquorice with Hijiki (Sargassum Fusiforme) may cause toxicity.

Liquorice is a shrub.
It is perennial.
It grows in temperate, warm, subtropical climates.
It belongs to the Legume family.
It grows up to 1.5 M.
Best used for Cough, Bronchitis, Sore Throat.
This Herb is known to reduce the harshness of almost all the Herbs. It is taken in combination with other Herbs. Also known as harmonizer and pacifier.

In TCM :
Liquorice Root : Gan Cao
Tip of Licorice Root : Gan Cao Shao

Note 1 : Licorice Candy may not contain Licorice. It usually contains. Anise oil.
Note 2 : Licorice can protect the liver from the damaging effects of chemotherapy.
Note 3 : Administer Licorice with cortisone. It enhances the effect of cortisone. You will need a lower dose of cortisone.
Note 4 : Addison's disease. Try Licorice.

Liquorice is a wonder herb in the hands of a master. It belongs to Fabaceae. It is native to India and China.
The extract of Liquorice root is known for a number of medicinal values.
It is Adaptogenic and is an adjunctive Herb. It is good for mental health and regulates Hormonal Balance. It aids the production of the adrenal gland that reduces Stress. Hence, Liquorice is a good herbal treatment for Fatigue, Depression and Anxiety.
The gel made from Liquorice root is used externally to cure Skin Disorders. It is beneficial for Eczema, Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Skin Rashes. It reduces the skin irritation, redness and swelling associated with these conditions.
Liquorice possesses detoxicant properties which help the body to get rid of toxins. It cleanses the Blood, Liver and Skin.
If you have painful Canker Sores, Take Liquorice. This will help in reducing the pain and inflammation.
It is used for Asthma, Bronchitis, and Allergic complaints. It suppresses the development of Cold and Cough. It gives relief from irritation and inflammation associated with Respiratory Ailments. Liquorice root tea is a great expectorant, hence good expelling thick phlegm.
It has Antiviral, Antifungal and Antibacterial properties. This helps the body to fight against infections such as Herpes, Shingles and Autoimmune Diseases.
When used in small quantities it acts on the circulatory system and enhances blood flow. It aids in building Red Blood Cells. It prevents the deposition of Plaque on the walls of the Blood Vessels. It lowers the levels of cholesterol and reduces the risk of Cardiovascular Disorders.
It is recommended in Stomach Diseases because it strengthens the Digestive Tract. Its Laxative factor helps in Constipation. It is effective for Heartburn, Gastritis, Peptic Ulcers and Colitis.
It detoxifies and protects the Liver. It counteracts Liver damage. It reduces the risk of Hepatitis.
In Menopause a woman may have a number of disorders. Liquorice is the key to getting rid off such disorders associated with Menopause and Premenstrual Syndrome. Some of the symptoms are listed below
Hot Flashes
Body Pain
Weakness
Mood Swings
Fatigue
Breast Tenderness
Nausea
Bloating
It is recommended for Prostate Cancer.
It is good to reduce body fat too.
Liquorice is an Anaphrodisiac. I say again Aanaphrodisiac. Excess Licorice root may actually suppress libido. It has some element of mild estrogenic content. Increase the dosage or prolong the usage and it will act in the opposite direction. It will lower the Libido, both, in men and women.
Liquorice root can be used to cleanse the colon. It promotes adrenal gland function. It counters breathing problems.
Did you know, that Liquorice is called
The Great Harmonizer,
Grandfather Herb,
Sweetwood.
Methods of Administration. How to take
Decoction: Make a tea.
Put 1/2 teaspoonful of the powdered root in a cup of water. Boil it. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture. The best and the most potent method of consuming Liquorice is to Tincture it.
To learn how to make your own Tinctures Click here
Caution: Its tincture should always be made into 1:5 ratio i.e. add 100 grams of Liquorice in 500 ml of vodka. Take 10 drops of it.

Keywords: Hormonal imbalance, Mental Problems, Stress, Depression, Cold, Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis, Inflammation, Respiratory Problems, Canker Sores, Constipation, Intestinal Problems, Heart Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Thrombosis, Wounds, Eczema, Psoriasis, Arthritis, Lupus, Stomach Problems, Digestive Problems, Menopausal Disorders, Body Fat.