Alternative Health and Healing

Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) also called Gancao

Reduces the strong,choking urge of coughing, helps to lubricate the lung and liquefy the mucus. Itis used to treat bronchitis, allergies, asthma and sore throat as well asgastritis, peptic ulcer, premenstrual syndrome, low adrenal function andrheumatism. Licorice has at least eight compounds that are MAO inhibitors whichare potent antidepressants. Licorice is a little known antidepressant comparedto St. John's Wort. Also used in flavoring food, tobacco, drinks, medicine andcandy.

Caution:

Avoid using it ifyou have high blood pressure or osteoporosis. Licorice contains the ingredientglycyrhizin. Taking it with Digoxin together can produce dangerously irregularheart rhythms and even in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. The combination canalso cause dangerously low potassium levels due to its sodium retaining effect,resulting numbing weakness, muscle pain and even paralysis. Licorice can alsointeract with blood pressure medication or any beta and calcium channelblockers as well as with steroids such as prednisone and cortisone. Do not uselonger than six weeks.