This action is far wider than just helping to treat specific diseases. For example it includes many cases of inflammation and common conditions such as allergies. The auto-immune aspect of a health problem is extremely common, even though we may not be aware of this. This aspect is discussed more fully in the article Autoimmune Disorders.

Autoimmune disorders are extremely common, due to many factors, such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, inoculations, electromagnetic pollution, lack of sunlight on skin and so on - the immune system becomes unbalanced so that on one hand, the immune response to virus and internal toxemia may be inadequate, and on the other, there is often an over-reaction. This results in inflammation, and attack on 'self'. This may range from something as simple as fatigue, allergies, or all the way through to a serious auto-immune disorder such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disorders, and many chronic diseases. Improving this balance with the use of Liquorice  can make the totality of your nutritional supplements and diet work better for you, as realized by the Chinese herbalists many years ago.

If we look at use of liquorice from a western perspective, we see that its use has changed little over 3,000 years. It is considered a demulcent (soothing to irritated membranes), expectorant (loosening and helping to expel congestion in the upper respiratory tract), and stimulates mucous secretions of the trachea. Other well documented activities include significant anti-inflammatory effects, a protecting effect on the liver against toxic substances and anti-allergy activity. Studies have shown that glycyrrhizin stimulates the excretion of hormones by the adrenal cortex.

We have found liquorice to be effective in its ability to help the body produce the correct type and amount of natural steroids, whereas drug based steroids, in my experience are less effective and will in time seriously disrupt the body's homeostasis and render it susceptible to Candida Albicans infection and other health problems. The exception being bio-identical hydrocortisone. This form of natural cortisone at the correct dose for the individual will not have the harmful effect of the corrupted molecule of the patented version that is prescribed in excessively high doses. Glycyrrhizin has a similar chemical structure to corticosteroids released by the adrenals, and further studies have suggested that it could be used as an aid in helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms from dependency on some corticosteroid hormones. Glycyrrhizin has also shown estrogenic activity in laboratory animals, and is experimentally anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and antibacterial. In China, liquorice root is used as an antacid.

How Does Liquorice Achieve its Action ?

Liquorice contains Glycosides called glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid, these have a structure similar to the natural steroids in the body and tend to rapidly restore natural steroid production from the adrenal glands. In addition, the direct action of these glycosides, along with other ingredients in the liquorice seem to have an almost magical effect in reducing inflammation and the entire auto-immune response.

One of the better known folk uses of liquorice in Europe has been in the treatment of gastric ulcers. Also gastric distress, acidity etc are often quickly relieved. Based on this historical use in European herbal medicine, liquorice has been widely used as a treatment for gastric ulcers. Modern use began in 1946, when a Dutch physician, F. E. Revers demonstrated that liquorice was the active ingredient in a domestic medicine used in the Netherlands, then reported good results obtained in the treatment of stomach ulcers in 32 patients. In the 1950s new research showed that liquorice-derived compounds can raise the concentration of prostaglandins in the digestive system that promote mucous secretion from the stomach, as well as produce new cells in the stomach lining. It was also shown that liquorice prolongs the life span of surface cells in the stomach and has an antipepsin effect. The combined effect leads to the healing of ulcers. If you suffer from stomach ulcers the recommended formula our Digestive Disorders Herbal Blend which contains Liquorice, and King of Bitters.

Powdered liquorice is also considered by Ayurvedic medicine as an excellent remedy for hyperacidity, and clinical tests prove that it is good for relieving pain, discomfort and other symptoms caused by acid matter in the stomach. It removes the irritating effects of acids in a better way than alkalis.

In Europe, the primary medicinal use of liquorice is to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory infections. Glycyrrhizinic acid seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A. It also stimulates the production of interferon. We find it particularly effective as part of a natural treatment for lung problems, and infections that affect the lungs, and as previously mentioned asthma and bronchitis. Chinese researchers agree that liquorice is effective against cough and soothes the inflamed tissues of a sore throat. In fact, ancient Chinese texts summarize the uses of liquorice rather well: "improve the tone of the 'middle Jiao' [digestive system] and replenish Qi, to remove 'heat' and toxic substance, to moisturize the lungs and arrest coughing, and to relieve spasms and pain." Modern practitioners use different terminology, but the therapeutic benefits are quite similar. Liquorice Root has been used as a laxative; to adjust blood sugar, reduce pain from ulcer and arthritis. Also used to treat ulcerative colitis in China.

In Japan, physicians use liquorice to treat chronic Hepatitis B. ( Milk Thistle is also suggested for hepatitis as is King of Bitters). Glycyrrhizin interferes with hepatitis B surface antigen and is synergistic with interferon against hepatitis A virus. It is also used at times to treat hepatitis C. Researchers have also demonstrated that liquorice helps protect the liver from damage due to chemotherapy. At low doses, the herb stimulates the liver to manufacture cholesterol and excrete it in bile. This can help lower serum cholesterol levels.

Physicians in China may prescribe liquorice alone or with cortisol to treat mild cases of Addison's disease, in which the body produces too little of this hormone. In China, liquorice is considered a powerful antitoxin and is used as an aid in the treatment of pesticide poisoning. It may also curb Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. (Wormwood is also indicated for Malaria).

Glycyrrhizin also has some antioxidant properties. Liquorice has been used to ease symptoms of menopause. In one study, liquorice attached to estrogen receptors. It did not, however, promote the growth of uterine cells as estrogen does, and it is not frequently used for this purpose in the United States. Another adaptogenic effect from liquorice involves estrogen. Liquorice shows mild estrogenic properties similar to other phytoestrogens. It has the ability to promote estrogen production and to interfere with the effects of too much estrogen, especially from external sources. The flavonoid constituents are thought to be responsible for the estrogen-like effects, while glycyrrhetinic acid antagonizes estrogen where there is over-stimulation of estrogen receptors in the body. All this makes liquorice useful in controlling the menstrual cycle and in relieving PMS and menopausal symptoms.