Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): The World’s Most Used Herb

Licorice — Glycyrrhiza glabra — is arguably the most widely used medicinal herb in the history of medicine across multiple civilisations simultaneously. Used in ancient Egypt, Assyria, China, Greece, and Rome; a central herb in Ayurvedic medicine (yashtimadhu); and a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (gan cao), Licorice root has maintained its clinical relevance for over 4,000 years. Its extraordinarily complex phytochemistry — particularly the steroidal triterpenoid glycyrrhizin — produces effects that range from adrenal support and anti-inflammatory action to antiviral, hepatoprotective, and gut-healing activity.

At Herba Naturalle, Licorice is listed in the comprehensive herb index as a major clinical herb — used within the framework of the Digestive Reset Bundle and Smooth Muscle and Immune Reset Bundle.

Active Compounds

Glycyrrhizin — a triterpenoid saponin that is 50 times sweeter than sugar; inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (which converts cortisol to cortisone), effectively potentiating cortisol activity — the basis for the adrenal-supportive and anti-inflammatory effects, and the cause of the blood-pressure-raising side effect at high doses
Glycyrrhizinic acid and glycyrrhizinic acid metabolites — antiviral, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory
Flavonoids — liquiritin, isoliquiritin; anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and phyto-oestrogenic
Isoflavones — formononetin, glabridin; with oestrogenic activity and antioxidant properties
Polysaccharides — immune-modulating
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) — a processed form with glycyrrhizin removed, retaining the gut-healing flavonoids without the blood-pressure-raising side effect

Clinical Applications

Adrenal Support and Stress Recovery

Glycyrrhizin’s cortisol-potentiating action makes Licorice genuinely supportive of the adrenal glands in states of depletion — relevant to the chronic stress and burnout patterns discussed in Inflammation of the Surface Nervous System: Where Healing Begins. Used short-term in adrenal fatigue states.

Gut Lining Healing (DGL form)

DGL Licorice is one of the best-evidenced herbal remedies for gastric and duodenal ulcers — stimulating mucus production, enhancing the protective mucosa, and promoting healing of the gut lining. Multiple clinical trials show comparable efficacy to pharmaceutical H2 blockers for peptic ulcer healing. Complementary to the Marshmallow Root Plus.

Respiratory and Anti-Inflammatory

Glycyrrhizin inhibits phospholipase A2 and 5-LOX — reducing the production of inflammatory leukotrienes. The expectorant and anti-inflammatory action on the bronchial mucosa makes Licorice useful in bronchitis, asthma, and respiratory catarrh. Complementary to the Lungwort Plus.

Antiviral

Glycyrrhizinic acid has documented antiviral activity against numerous viruses including herpes simplex, influenza, hepatitis B and C, and HIV in laboratory settings.

Liver Protection

Well-documented hepatoprotective effects — used in Japanese medicine as an intravenous preparation for hepatitis treatment.

Relevant Blog Posts

Safety — Important

Hypertension: Glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure through sodium retention — use DGL form if blood pressure is elevated; limit whole licorice use to 4–6 weeks
Heart conditions and oedema: Avoid due to sodium retention
Potassium levels: May cause hypokalaemia with prolonged use — monitor electrolytes
Pregnancy: Avoid — glycyrrhizin may be associated with premature birth at high intakes
Diuretics and digoxin: Potassium-lowering interactions

Contact Herba Naturalle for digestive and adrenal herbal support. Browse all products and the full herb index.

This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified medical herbalist before use.