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| Glycyzrrhiza
glabra |
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| Name |
| Licorice |
| Biological
Name |
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Glycyzrrhiza glabra
Leguminosae, Papilionaceae
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| Other
Names |
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Licorice, Yashtimadhu, Mithi-lakdi, Mulathi, Liquorice,
sweetwood, licorice root
Atimadhuram, Erattimadhuram, Liquorice
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| Parts
Used |
| Dried root. |
| Active
Compounds |
Triterpenes of the oleanane type,
mainly glycyrrhizin (=glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizinic acid),
and its agylcone glycyrrhetinic acid (=glycyrrhitic acid), liquiritic
acid, glycyrrhetol, glabrolide, isoglabrolide, licoric acid,
& phytosterols.
Flavonoids and isoflavonoids; liquiritigenin, liquiritin, rhamnoliquiritin,
neoliquiritin, licoflavonol, licoisoflavones A and B, licoisoflavanone,
formononetin, glabrol, glabrone, glyzarin, kumatakenin and others.
Coumarins; liqcoumarin, umbelliferone, herniarin glycyrin.
Chalcones; liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, neosoliquiritin,
rhamnoisoliquiritin, licuraside, licochalcones A and B, echinatin
and others.
Polysaccharides, mainly glucans.
Volatile oil, containing fenchone, linalool, furfuryl alcohol,
benzaldehyde.
Miscellaneous; starch, sugars, amino acid etc |
| History |
| Licorice is a traditional herbal
remedy with an ancient history and world wide usage. Modern
research has shown it to have effects upon, amongst other organs,
the endocrine system and liver. The triterpenes of Glycyrrhiza
are metabolized in the body to molecules that have a similar
structure to the adrenal cortex hormones. This is possibly the
basis of the herbs anti-inflammatory action. |
| Remedies
For |
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Action
anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-spasmodic, demulcent,
emetic, expectorant, laxative, rejuvenative, sedative, tonic.
Uses
abdominal pain
bronchitis
colds
cough
debility (general)
heart tonic
hyperacidity
inflammation
laryngitis
laxative
mucus membrane toner and soother
muscle spasms
sore throat
ulcers
painful urination
As an anti-hepatotoxic licorice is effective in the treatment
of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, for which it is been widely
used in Japan. Much of the liver orientated research has focused
upon the triterpene glycyrrhizin. This inhibits hepatocyte
injury caused by carbon tetrachloride, benzene hexachloride
and PCB. Antibody production is enhanced by glycyrrhizin,
possibly through the production of interleukin.
Glycyrrhizin inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses,
inactivating Herpes simplex virus particles irreversibly.
It has a variety of uses in bronchial problems such as catarrh,
bronchitis and coughs in general. Liquorice is used in allopathic
medicine as a treatment for peptic ulceration, a similar use
to its herbal use in gastritis and ulcers. It can be used
in the relief of abdominal colic.
It nourishes the brain-increasing cranial and cerebrospinal
fluid. Also improves complexion, hair, and vision.
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| Description |
| This herb is found in many countries.
It is believed to give contentment and harmony. |
| Dosage |
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Decoction, milk decoction, powder, ghee
Decoction: put 1/2 - 1 teaspoonful of the root in a cup of
water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This
should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1-3ml of the tincture three times a day.
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| Safety |
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Caution : There is a small possibility of effecting electrolyte
balance with extended use of large doses of licorice. It has
an ACTH like effect causing retention of sodium thus raising
BP. The whole herb has constituents that counter this but
it is best to avoid Licorice if the patient has hypertension,
kidney disease or during pregnancy.
It may interfere with the calcium and potassium absorption.
Do not use if you are suffering from osteoporosis, hypertension
(increases water around heart). Take with boiled milk.
No other information about the safety of this herb is available.
Use caution. Ayurvedic herbs are often taken in combination
with others to neutralize the toxicity one herb with the opposing
effect of other. Do not take except under the supervision
of a qualified professional.
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