Licorice Root

LICORICE ROOT | RAIZ DE REGALIZ

Licorice root - not the candy - but the ancient medicinal root that’s been used across cultures for healing, harmony, and a surprising amount of energetic resilience. This isn’t just a sweetener. This is global herbal royalty, one of the most widely-used and deeply respected botanicals in the history of medicine.

Licorice root’s story begins over 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. It was found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, likely placed there as a prized tonic for the afterlife. The Egyptians used it in tea blends and elixirs to treat digestive issues, cough, and fatigue, often calling it a “cure-all.” In fact, pharaohs and priests alike revered licorice as a harmonizing herb, capable of restoring balance to the body and mind.

The name Glycyrrhiza comes from the Greek words glykys (sweet) and rhiza (root), meaning “sweet root.” And that sweetness isn’t mild- licorice is 30–50 times sweeter than sugar, thanks to its active compound glycyrrhizin. The Greeks and Romans used it to quench thirst, heal ulcers, and strengthen the lungs. It was carried by soldiers, travelers, and healers alike for its soothing and strengthening properties.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice root is known as Gan Cao, and it’s considered one of the most important herbs in the entire pharmacopoeia. It’s used in over 50% of classical formulas, often not as the main ingredient, but as the one that harmonizes and enhances the others. It clears heat, moistens the lungs, soothes the stomach, eases spasms, and calms the spirit. It’s called the “great peacemaker”- the mediator that helps other herbs work better and the body respond more gently.

In Ayurveda, licorice (called Yashtimadhu) is used as a rejuvenating tonic- especially for the lungs, adrenals, and reproductive system. It cools and nourishes, making it ideal for dry coughs, inflammatory gut conditions, and burnout. It’s also considered an aphrodisiac, a voice tonic, and a remedy for hoarseness or excess heat in the body.

Fast forward to Europe, and you’ll find licorice root showing up in everything from monastic medicine to confectionery. In medieval herbals, it was listed as a remedy for sore throats, ulcers, and kidney ailments. Apothecaries steeped it into syrups and lozenges. Eventually, its strong, sweet flavor made its way into candies and liqueurs- especially in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and parts of Asia.

Modern research confirms what ancient healers knew: licorice root has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-ulcer, and adaptogenic properties. It’s especially valued for its ability to support the adrenal glands, modulate cortisol, soothe the mucous membranes (from the gut to the lungs), and gently support hormonal balance.

Energetically, licorice is about soft strength. It doesn’t push- it coats, calms, and connects. It’s the herb you reach for when your system is burnt out, dried out, or frayed at the edges. When your voice needs gentling, your stomach needs healing, or your nerves need holding, licorice is there- steady, sweet, and generous.

So no, licorice root isn’t just candy. Its global herbal legacy, tonic treasure, and harmonizer of systems. A plant that speaks every healing language and still has more to teach us.

Medicinal Uses of Licorice Root

• Soothes Sore Throats & Coughs
  Licorice acts as a demulcent, coating the throat and calming dry, irritated coughs, hoarseness, and bronchial inflammation. A key herb in many lozenges and throat teas.

• Supports Digestive Health
  Used to relieve heartburn, acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and stomach inflammation by soothing the mucosal lining and reducing acidity.

• Adrenal & Stress Support
  As an adaptogen, licorice helps modulate cortisol levels, support the adrenal glands, and combat chronic fatigue, especially in burnout or long-term stress recovery.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects
  Contains glycyrrhizin and flavonoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body—used for joint pain, eczema, IBS, and respiratory inflammation.

• Antiviral & Antibacterial
  Traditionally used for cold sores, viral infections, respiratory infections, and even herpes simplex due to its potent immune-boosting and antiviral properties.

• Liver Support & Detoxification
  Helps protect the liver, promotes bile flow, and is used to support treatment of hepatitis, liver congestion, and detox protocols.

• Hormonal Balance (Especially for Women)
  Used in some traditions to support estrogen modulation, PMS relief, and menopausal symptoms. It may gently support fertility and menstrual regulation when used appropriately.

• Moistens Dry Conditions
  In both Ayurveda and TCM, licorice is used to moisten dryness—whether it’s a dry cough, dry stool, dry skin, or dry emotional state. It helps restore balance and softness.

• Supports Immune Function
  Acts as an immunomodulator, helping the immune system respond more effectively, particularly in long-term immune depletion or chronic fatigue.

• Protects Mucous Membranes
  Used topically and internally to soothe the gut, lungs, and urinary tract. It helps protect and repair delicate linings affected by inflammation or infection.