Turn your phone side ways for best viewing!
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra, lepidota, uralensis)
Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Properties & Health Benefits
Ezekiel 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."
This page is around 65% complete. Check back for more updates soon! Hit F5 to refresh the page! I make a post on the home page of this website to keep people informed of the work that I'm currently up to. Stay tuned! I will write more about the phytochemicals and their complex pharmacology once I begin perfecting this page soon!
Introduction: I want to defend indigenous knowledge here. The word indigenous means: "Produced, growing, living, or occurring natively or naturally in a particular region or environment."[10] When you learn about the traditional medicinal applications of any plant on this website, it is in reference to how the indigenous cultures used that specific plant(ethnobotanical). Used in a sentence: Native Americans are the indigenous culture of the northern half of North America(the United States).
Nicknames: Licorice;[1] Licorice is derived from Greek and means "sweet root";[1][2] SweetWood;[19] The Chinese variety is known as Gan Cao, or by the scientific name of: Glycyrrhiza uralensis.[16] The American variety is known as Glycyrrhiza lepidota and the European variety is known as ycyrrhiza glabra.
What is Ethnobotany? What are Ethnobotanicals?: According to Stetson University in Florida, "Ethnobotany is the study of the practical uses of plants within a particular region or culture, focusing on traditional knowledge and customs regarding medicinal, religious, and other applications."[11] With that in mind, you can see how ethnobotanicals are specimens that the ethnobotanist study, and they are important to modern scientific research.[12][13][14][15][16] In my own words and backed by numerous sources: Ethnobotanist bridge the worlds between the ancient primitive indigenous cultures and their knowledge of plant medicines and plant narcotics, and the modern fields that relate to the medical sciences(ie: phytochemistry, etc) and big pharmaceutical interest.[12][13][14][15][16] What this illustrates, is the fact that these indigenous cultures were really the first scientist, aka medical researchers..[12][13][14][15][16] Their observational way of learning about medicine is what has led all modern scholars to the study and discovery of the worlds best medicines(ie: ethnobotanicals and the complex and miraculous phytochemicals produced by these plants).[12][13][14][15][16] The more you learn about these ethnobotanical specimens and modern medicine, the more you can see that prohibition is merely a means of protecting the profits of these greedy and evil pharmaceutical corporations. God intended medicine to be free-game for everyone, not prohibited and turned into serpent medical abominations. Take your power back!
Ethnobotany: "Licorice has also been used historically in traditional Chinese medicine and other integrative medicine approaches for its adaptogenic properties"[2] Adaptogenic means: I've studied indigenous ethnobotanical medicine hands on(personal experience), and know that these cultures who relied on nature for their well-being were right when they said these plants were medicine and that they work. "Licorice root was used in traditional medicine practices for coughing[19], asthma, chest complaints[19], and wound healing, as well as for diseases of the lungs, liver, and arteries.[6] As far as the ethnobotany of Licorice root goes, the root has a long history of use, going back to ancient Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek, Arab, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian cultures.[6] As far as North American use goes, According to Montana State University: "Wild Licorice, also called American Licorice, is a native plant that was widely used by the Native Americans. It was as a medicinal plant with a wide range of uses including to aid in curing diarrhea, upset stomach, flu, earaches, toothaches, coughs, chest pain and sore throats.[7] Please note that "traditional", is another word for "indigenous". "Licorice has traditionally been used for treating gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, cough, bronchitis, arthritis, and skin conditions.[9] Romans and other cultures back in the times of antiquity used Licorice to remedy gastric irritation and as an expectorant(similar to Mullein).[16] As far as ancient Egypt goes, National Geographic reports that: "Archaeologist discovered a bundle of licorice sticks among the treasures of King Tut's tomb."[16] Here's something that entrepreneurs and DIY fans can use at home: "The miller in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales chewed licorice to make his breath sweet before meeting a possible lover".[16] Licorice has also been documented to help with weariness and debilitation in China.[23] The strain which Native Americans used is called Glycyrrhiza lepidota.[22] The North American variety(G. lepidota) was used by natives for: curing diarrhea, upset stomach, flu, earaches, toothaches, coughs, chest pain and sore throats.[22] G. lepidota was also used as a food by the indigenous Americans, sometimes raw in the early spring, and the cooked roots had a similar taste to that of sweet potatoes.[22]
Similar Species: According to a rad book by National Geographic, "The Chinese consider a similar species, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, which they call by the common name of "Gan Cao", a "drug of first class", and believe that it lengthens life!.[16] The American Licorice strain that the Native Americans used is known as Glycyrrhiza lepidota.[22] The European variety is called Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Classification: Perennial;[2][19]
Plant Family: Fabaceae;[1] Subfamily: Faboideae;[1] Clade:[1] Inverted repeat-lacking clade;[1] Genus: Glycyrrhiza;[1] Species: G. glabra;[1] G. lepidota, and G. uralensis.
Warnings: Licorice should not be consumed daily for long term use. "Consumption of too much glycyrrhizin glycoside from ingesting too much licorice in food or supplement form can cause fluid retention. It can also lead to elevated blood pressure (hypertension)."[2] With that in mind, it may help to learn how to recognize the symptoms of high blood pressure(a.k.a. "hypertension"). According to Harvard University: "Usually, hypertension does not directly cause symptoms. When blood pressure is very high, it can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue or visual symptoms. Diagnosis The diagnosis of hypertension depends on blood pressure readings. Therefore, it's essential that blood pressure be measured carefully."[3]
What is Phytochemistry? and Phytochemicals? The National Library Of Medicine puts it best: "Phytochemistry is the discipline of science that deals with plant-derived phytochemicals"[23] "Phytochemistry is the study of the chemistry of substances found in plants."[17] Phytochemicals are the actual chemicals theirselves that the phytochemist isolate out of the ethnobotanical specimens and study in a laboratory setting, to determine their complex pharmacology(medicinal properties!)[12][13][14][15][16] Research chemicals on the other hand, are fake knock off versions of illegal phytochemicals produced by plants. The easiest way to define the difference between research chemicals and phytochemicals, is that phytochemicals are God-made and exist within plants, and research chemicals are fake versions of natural chemicals produced in pharma labs(both illegally and legally).[18] Below I have embedded a video tour of a phytochemistry lab at a University! Enjoy!
Phytochemicals: "Around 400 total compounds have been isolated from licorice, including approximately 300 flavonoid compounds!"[23] Licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar!.[2] Licorice also produces at least four flavonoids (isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, lichalocone, and glabridin)[23] Other components of Licorice include: Amino acids, proteins, simple sugars, polysaccharides, mineral salts, pectin, starches, sterols, gums, and resins.[23] "Isoliquiritigenin (2’,4’,4-trihydroxychalcone, ISL) extracted from licorice root has a chalcone structure that exhibits a strong anticancer effect."[23] "Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizinic acid, isoliquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid are other main phytochemicals in this plant with anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-asthmatic properties".[23] Scientist have studied the flavanones, coumarins, chalcones, isoflavones, triterpenoid saponins, phenolic compounds, and many more complex phytochemicals produced and contained by the licorice plant.[23] "Glabridin is the most abundant isoflavone, accounting for 0.08 percent to 0.35 percent of the dry weight of the roots".[23] Licorice also produces and contains: Quercetin, Licochalcone C, Formononetin, Licopyranocoumarin, Glabrocoumarin, Kanzonol Y, Paratocarpin B, Glycyglabrone, Mannopyranosyl-D glucitol, Hispaglabridin B, and 4-O-Methylglabridin.[23]
Pharmacological / Medicinal Properties: Licorice is known to be an expectorant, which is a type of drug that helps clear excess mucus from the upper and lower airways.[2] "The medicinal parts of the plant are the unpeeled dried roots and runners, and the underground stem (rhizome).[2] According to the National Library Of Medicine, Licorice offers the following scientifically confirmed benefits: "Glycyrrhizin or licorice extract is frequently used in many preparations of traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 in China. Significant data is showing that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have multiple beneficial activities in combating most features of SARS-CoV-2. Glycyrrhizin and licorice extract bind to viral fusion proteins, thereby disrupting viral entry into the host cells, besides to increase the expression of ACE2. They have also, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They protect lung and cardiovascular systems against viral inflammation induced- injury."[5] Another herbal supplement that has shown miraculous effects against Covid19 is Myrrh. "Fifty studies indicate that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Twenty five studies provide evidence for the protective effect of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract against inflammation-induced acute lung injury and cardiovascular disorders.[5] FYI: Glycyrrhizin is a phytochemical(God-made medicine) found in the Licorice root, which is not to be confused with research chemicals that are made in pharma labs.[21] According to Green Medicine Research Laboratories in Long Island, the active component of Licorice root has a similar molecular structure to that of hormones released from the adrenal cortex.[19] The root is said to be a great source of oesterogenic hormones.[19] The phytochemicals: Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizinic acid, isoliquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid demonstrate: anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-asthmatic properties.[23] According to the National Library Of Medicine: "This herb can be used to treat dementia, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease."[23] One final academic quote in regards to the pharmacology of Licorice: "Licorice roots, extracts, and active ingredients like isoflavonoids, flavonoids, and glycyrrhizic acid have demonstrated efficacy in regulating respiratory functions, immunoregulation, antineoplastic action, antiinflammation, gastroenteric protection, and hepatoprotection".[23]
Medicinal properties: Demulcent, Expectorant, Laxative, Pectoral[19] Investigating Downplayed Claims: I decided to investigate the following down-played medical claims that certain academic sources have cast doubt upon, to see if there was any science to back them up: Licorice is useful in treating the hepatitis C virus, cough and bronchitis, Treat allergies, Reduce inflammation, especially in the stomach, Lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, Prevent plaque, gum disease, and tooth decay, Treat microbial or viral infections, including viral liver disease, Protect your liver, Treat snakebites, used as an antivenin, Treat tetanus and globefish toxins, Act as a possible antidote for the toxic effects of cocaine abuse, Aid in treating skin issues when put on the skin. Hepatitis C: "Glycyrrhizin has been used to treat several disorders including chronic hepatitis C, where it is given intravenously two or three times weekly. The evidence for its efficacy in hepatitis C, however, is not widely accepted, and it has now been replaced by the highly efficacious direct acting HCV antivirals."[4] Keep in mind that "not widely accepted" doesn't necessarily mean something is untrue. The National Library Of Medicine source goes on to state that: "Nevertheless, studies in cell culture and in animal models have repeatedly found that glycyrrhizin and licorice extracts decrease or prevent liver injury from a variety of insults including chemotherapeutic agents, acetaminophen(tylenol), other prescription drugs, obesity and ischemia."[4] As far as hepatoxicity goes: "In multiple clinical studies of different preparations of licorice or glycyrrhizin in conventional doses, adverse side effects were usually described as uncommon and transient."[4] Once again, we can see even academic sources downplaying the truth sometimes. Just because you read that something has been unproven, doesn't mean that it is true. I always investigate claims being pushed, even from academic sources that cast doubt on the benefits of natural remedies. People who push these doubtful claims, I suspect do so for financial reasons(motivations). According to a great book by National Geographic, "In 1985 Japanese researchers showed that glycoside glycyrrhizin was effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis."[16] Sore Throat & Cough: One study concludes that: "Preoperative topical application of licorice appears significantly more effective than nonanalgesic methods for preventing postoperative sore throat."[8] We can see that upon digging, even though some academic sources try to down-play the miraculous pharmacology of these herbal remedies, that there's far more academic sources that confirm for us their benefits and properties. Not to mention, what indigenous cultures observed always checks out in modern phytochemical studies. It's a common socialist ploy to down-play the truth with claims such as "We don't yet know enough", or "More research is needed". They love to cast doubt on the truth! Always seek multiple sources when doing research, instead of stopping at one source. Allergies: "Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and allergic diseases."[24] Did you know that licorice acts as an anti-inflammatory, thus reducing allergic responses and preventing liver damage.?[23] One study examined the pharmacology of glycyrrhizin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritin, and liquiritigenin to determine if they're effective against allergies.[24] The results of this study concluded that:"The antiallergic effects of licorice are mainly due to glycyrrhizin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, and liquiritigenin, which can relieve IgE-induced allergic diseases such as dermatitis and asthma."[24] Cancer: "Isoliquiritigenin (2’,4’,4-trihydroxychalcone, ISL) extracted from licorice root has a chalcone structure that exhibits a strong anticancer effect."[23] Just this one chemical alone has been proven to be anti-cancerous! O.G. Observation: Over the years of reading on the National Library Of Medicine: Often times(very often/usually) multiple phytochemical components of a plant exhibit anti-cancerous properties. This makes herbal remedies far more complex medicine than anything man can create. Pharmaceuticals typically focus on an individual substance, rather than a complex soup of potentially hundreds of medicines working together synergistically. I found a rad blog on the University Of Illinois website titled: "Researchers look to licorice for promising cancer treatments", and had to cite and quote it here on HerbsPedia.org! The article by the University states: "Licorice is more than a candy people either love or hate — it may play a role in preventing or treating certain types of cancer."[25] It goes on to state that: "When we look at the research out there and our own data, it appears that glycyrrhizin and its derivative glycyrrhetinic acid have great potential as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents."[25] FYI: For those that are still learning, Glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizin are phytochemical constituents of Licorice. This is why phytochemistry is important to study. Another phytochemical component of Licorice root that is anti-cancerous is known as Isoangustone A (IAA). "Isoangustone A (IAA) is a novel flavonoid compound found in licorice root that has been reported to exert anticancer activity mainly by affecting cell cycle and apoptosis."[26] Culinary/Candy: Licorice has been used since ancient times as a culinary flavoring agent.[2] Most "licorice" candy is flavored with anise oil and not real licorice.[2] Use In Industry: Licorice is used in many fortune-500 products, hints you learning how to utilize these God-made gifts is dangerous to their monopolies.[2] Such products include: toothpaste, throat lozenges, and even tobacco.[2] Harvesting Tips: The roots of Licorice are harvested when they are at their sweetest, which is thought to be in autumn of the fourth year, and preferably of plants which have not yet produced borne fruit(a process that exhausts the sweetness of the sap).[19] Mixes well with: Based on my own personal experience, Licorice synergizes with: Pau'darco, Echinacea, Mullein, Coltsfoot, Goldenseal, Chamomile! A great book called "Indian Herbaology of North America" teaches that Licorice root synergizes well with: Black Cohosh root(Cimicifuga racemosa), Wild Cherry(Prunus serotina), Flaxseed, Ginger root(Zingiber), and Lemon.[19] The book suggest that specific combo for wheezing, shortness of breath, pains of the breasts and lungs, dry cough, or hoarseness.[19] Keep in mind that according to the National Library Of Medicine: "According to a traditional Chinese medicine belief, “nine out of ten formulae contain licorice,” and licorice is one of the most effective herbal medicines for reducing toxicity and increasing the efficacy of other herbal medicines when used together."[23] Dosage: According to the Indian Herbaology Of North America book: 1 pound of Licorice root is to be boiled in 3 pints of water.[19] It says to boil it down to 1 quart as an all-purpose decoction.[19] Use 1 teaspoonful three times a day.[19] 1 Teaspoond of the dried root to 1 cup of boiling water can be taken as a herbal tea.[19] For tincture: Use 1/2 of 1 fluid dram.[19] Precautions: Licorice may affect blood pressure, interact with certain medications, and cause serious adverse effects when used excessively.[25] O.G. Observations: I've personally observed the ability of Licorice root to block body aches and nasty physical pain sensations associated with the flu, and this is impressive. On another note, I wanted to point out that socialism and the policing of facts goes hand and hand. Doctors, advocates, and activist have always been attacked for speaking the truth, and even ganged up on over their efforts. A great example of serpent medical socialist pushing back against natural doctors and those who spread knowledge of indigenous ethnobotanical medicine is the story of Harry Hoxsey(1901-1974).[20] He was a major proponent of the healing potential of Licorice root and other herbal remedies, and was ganged up on and arrested uncountable numbers of times for his medical practice, in which case he eventually closed his Dallas clinic in the late 1950s and moved to Mexico to continue practicing.[20] I found his story fascinating and will be writing about him more in the near future, considering that I myself have always been ganged up on for my interest in these things as well, and was even financially sabotaged by a bunch of criminals in the Pensacola FBI, DEA, and SRCSO who apparently have ties to freemasonry, neo nazi cults, and the satanic temple. Anyway, Harry Hoxsey's recipe that used Licorice was: bloodroot, burdock, buckthorn, cascara, barberry, licorice, red clover, pokeroot, zinc chloride and antimony trisfulfide.[20] The presentation below is by Bioneers. According to Bioneers.org: "Bioneers is an innovative nonprofit organization that highlights breakthrough solutions for restoring people and planet. Founded in 1990 in Santa Fe, New Mexico by social entrepreneurs Kenny Ausubel and Nina Simons, we act as a fertile hub of social and scientific innovators with practical and visionary solutions for the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges." Below is a video on Harry Hoxsey, and how big pharma and its interest fuel the policing of natural cures and real doctors.
Important Related Educational Blogs: Exposing The Occult Socialist Plot Against The Original Ethnobotanical Industry And Why It Matters.,Exposing the '2c series' of research chemicals as fake mescaline and fake amphetamines.,Whats the difference between natural DMT and research chemical DMT?,Quiz One On DMT,Natural Amphetamines Vs Research Chemical Amphetamines,,Whats the difference between research chemicals and phytochemicals?,Medical(Pharmacology Glossary),,Quiz One On Mind Body Systems,Quiz 1 on: Marijuana Prohibition & Socialist Propaganda During 1900's
Buy Live Licorice Root Plants
Academic citations:
[2] University Of Rochester Medical Center: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=19&contentid=licorice
[3] Harvard University: https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/high-blood-pressure-hypertension-a-to-z
[4] LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Licorice. [Updated 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK590484/
[5] Adel A. Gomaa, Yasmin A. Abdel-Wadood, The potential of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract in combating COVID-19 and associated conditions, Phytomedicine Plus, Volume 1, Issue 3, 2021, 100043, ISSN 2667-0313, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100043. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031321000257)
[6] National Institute Of Health: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root
[7] Montana State University: https://www.montana.edu/extension/broadwater/blog-article.html?id=23270
[8] Kuriyama, Akira, and Hirokazu Maeda. "Topical application of licorice for prevention of postoperative sore throat in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of clinical anesthesia 54 (2019): 25-32. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0952818018311334
[9] AlDehlawi, Hebah, and Ahoud Jazzar. "The power of licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) to improve oral health: a comprehensive review of its pharmacological properties and clinical implications." Healthcare. Vol. 11. No. 21. MDPI, 2023.
[10] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indigenous
[11] Stetson University: https://www.stetson.edu/other/gillespie-museum/florida-ethnobotany.php
[17] https://ibs.upm.edu.my/content/phytochemistry-34443
[18] LSD/MDMA are RESEARCH CHEMICALS: Multi-Million Dollar Illegal MDMA/LSD Lab Busted!
[21] PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glycyrrhizin
[22] Montana State University: https://www.montana.edu/extension/broadwater/blog-article.html?id=23270
[23] Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/ PMCID: PMC8703329 PMID: 34961221
[24] Shin, Y. W., Bae, E. A., Lee, B., Lee, S. H., Kim, J. A., Kim, Y. S., & Kim, D. H. (2007). In vitro and in vivo antiallergic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its components. Planta medica, 73(03), 257-261.
[25] University Of Illinois: https://today.uic.edu/researchers-look-to-licorice-for-promising-cancer-treatments/
[26] Chemopreventive Effects of Licorice and Its Components | Ann M Bode, Zigang Dong | PMCID: PMC7100402 PMID: 32226725 | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7100402/
[12] Richard Evans Schultes, et al. Plants of the Gods : Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers. Rochester, Vt., Healing Arts Press, 2001.
[13] Forte, Robert. ed. Entheogens and the Future of Religion. Simon and Schuster, 2012.
[14] Balick, Michael J., and Paul Alan Cox. Plants, people, and culture: the science of ethnobotany. Garland Science, 2020.
[15] Tyler, Varro E, et al. Pharmacognosy 1988 (9th Edition)
[16] Swerdlow, Joel L. Nature's Medicine : Plants That Heal. Washington, D.C., National Geographic Society, 2000.
[19] Hitchens, Alma R. Indian Herbalogy Of North America: The definitive guide to native medicinal plants and their uses. Shambhala productions, 1991.
[20] Quillin, P., & Quillin, N. (1998). Beating cancer with nutrition: Clinically proven and easy-to-follow strategies to dramatically improve quality and quantity of life and chances for a complete remission. Tulsa, OK: Nutrition Times Press.
Encyclopedia Resources:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquorice
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoxsey_Therapy
Other resources:
M.A.P.S. Ethnobotanical Studies By Scholars
National Library Of Medicine https://www.nlm.nih.gov/
PubChem - pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov