LICORICE
(gan cao)

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra or Glycyrrhiza u. Eases inflammation and tissue damage in the upper digestive tract; potentiates the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids; mimics Aldosterone (by potentiation of cortisol); facilitates movement of mucus from the respiratory tract.
   Aldosterone, mineralocorticoid steroid hormone (retain sodium, reabsorption of water and excretion of potassium).
2. Licorice has been used extensively for the treatment of cough, bronchitis, as a soothing ingredient in cough medicine. Licorice was also used for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer & adrenocortical insufficiency (Addision's disease). In TCM, licorice tonifies the spleen benefits qi moistens the lungs and stop coughing. Clear heat and detoxifies fire poison (boils, sore throat) and sooth spasms. It harmonizes the characteristics of other herbs.
3. May also be used in the treatment of corticosteroid dependency (to aid the withdrawal of corticosteroid drugs) and extend the pharmacological effects of steroid drugs.
4. Action summary: Anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, adrenal tonic, expectorant, demulcent, mild laxative and anticarcinogenic.
5. Duration of use: High doses of licorice should not be consumed long term (5~15g of root), no longer than 6~8 weeks. Lower doses of licorice may be use for a longer period without risk of side effect.
6. Contraindication: cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, edema or congestive heart failure.
7. Licorice may counteract (slight chance) with contraceptive pill. Potassium loss may be severe if taken in conjunction with potassium-depleting drugs, i.e. thiazides or slimming diuretic or laxative. It potentiates the pharmacological effects of prednisone (by inhibit its metabolism).
8. Side effects of licorice have been known to cause hypertension, sodium & water retention and hypokalemia through the mineralcocorticoid effect of GL. Those side effects usually resulted from its use as a food or flavoring agent.

References: