Rich, grounding, and unmistakably sweet, Glycyrrhiza glabra—better known as liquorice root—is one of herbal medicine’s most versatile and powerful remedies. Beneath its pleasant taste lies a potent medicinal profile that soothes inflammation, supports adrenal function, calms the gut, and offers a bridge between immune modulation and hormonal harmony.
Let’s take a closer look at how this ancient root continues to earn its place in modern herbal practice.
A Sweet Root with a Long History
Liquorice has been used across Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Ayurvedic systems for thousands of years. In European traditions, it was added to herbal formulas to “harmonise” other herbs and soothe mucous membranes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, liquorice is a key herb in countless formulas, valued for its ability to tonify the Spleen, clear heat, and resolve toxicity.
Today, it remains a mainstay in clinical practice—especially where inflammation, depletion, or hormonal imbalance are at play.
Traditional and Modern Uses
Glycyrrhiza glabra offers a broad range of therapeutic actions:
- Soothing mucous membranes: Its demulcent properties make it a go-to remedy for gastritis, ulcers, dry coughs, and sore throats. It eases inflammation in the gut and lungs and promotes healing in irritated tissues.
- Supporting adrenal function: Liquorice is used in cases of adrenal fatigue and burnout, particularly where cortisol levels are low. It prolongs the half-life of endogenous corticosteroids, helping the body manage stress more effectively.
- Modulating hormones and inflammation: The root’s anti-inflammatory action has been compared to corticosteroids, making it useful in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It also has mild oestrogenic activity and may be helpful in PCOS, perimenopause, and menstrual disorders linked to progesterone deficiency.
- Antiviral and immunomodulatory: Liquorice has shown efficacy against viruses such as herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, and hepatitis. It’s also used to support immune function and reduce allergic responses.
What the Research Says
Scientific studies support many of liquorice’s traditional uses:
- Anti-ulcer and mucosal healing: Glycyrrhizin and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid promote mucin production, reduce gastric acid secretion, and encourage regeneration of stomach lining tissue.
- Anti-inflammatory and immune regulation: Liquorice compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as COX-2. In vitro studies also show modulation of interleukins and enhancement of interferon activity.
- Hormonal and adrenal effects: Research confirms that liquorice inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, extending cortisol activity and contributing to its adaptogenic profile.
- Antiviral activity: Liquorice extract has shown inhibitory effects on viral replication, including herpes viruses, cytomegalovirus, and HIV, often through immune modulation and inhibition of viral binding.
Safety Considerations
While generally safe when used appropriately, Glycyrrhiza glabra requires clinical care in certain situations:
- Cautions: Long-term or high-dose use may lead to pseudoaldosteronism—causing fluid retention, hypertension, and hypokalaemia due to increased sodium retention and potassium loss.
- Contraindications: Avoid in patients with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or hypokalaemia unless carefully monitored.
- Interactions: Liquorice may potentiate corticosteroids and interfere with some cardiac or diuretic medications.
Low doses in formula (especially when deglycyrrhizinated) are generally well tolerated.
In Practice
At Quantum Apotheca, liquorice is a reliable ally when soothing is needed—whether in the gut, the lungs, the immune system, or the adrenals. It’s often used in low doses to harmonise formulas and reduce harshness from stronger herbs. And in cases of burnout, hormonal imbalance, or chronic inflammation, it can offer strength disguised in sweetness.
Gentle yet potent, this root reminds us that healing can be both protective and nourishing, working deeply with the body’s rhythms.
