Can-Licorice-Root-Help-With-My-Thyroid-Fatigue
Suzy Cohen, RPh, America’s Pharmacist
Thyroid Nation

America’s Pharmacist Talks Licorice Root:

*Do not take if you have heart issues and without consulting your physician first.

Licorice root is an herbal remedy often used in Chinese traditional medicine. It’s ancient, and was used by the Greeks and Romans for many health concerns such as ulcers, sore throat, asthma, depression, menopause, arthritis, heartburn, gastrointestinal concerns of all sorts and various viral infections (like hepatitis and the flu). Unfortunately, licorice candy (mmm, Twizzlers) doesn’t have quite the same effect, but hey, that’s not to say you couldn’t indulge in that every now and then!

Just know that licorice root is a totally different animal, and unlike candy, it has many medicinal properties.

SuzyCohenBookLicorice contains healing flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and glycyrrhizin. Some of these compounds block the breakdown of a hormone called cortisol in your body which helps you deal with stress. Many of us are walking around with severe adrenal fatigue, and depending on a few other medical factors, licorice root could be just what you need to help cope with stress. It also happens to boost levels of natural interferon, which is an important component of your immune system helping you defend yourself from infection.

Licorice root helps soothe irritated membranes while removing mucus from your respiratory tract, making it a great adjunctive remedy for cough and cold. The phytoestrogens also mimic the effect of estrogen, which can help with menopausal symptoms, as well as cognitive function but be careful here because anything that is estrogenic (even mildly so) has the potential to drive certain cancers, especially those of the reproductive tract.

A 2011 study performed on rats in China provided evidence that glycyrrhizin could protect against some of the more drastic negative outcomes from spinal cord injuries, by suppressing inflammatory chemicals (called cytokines) and blocking the release of a gene that promotes further inflammation (HMGB1). In a separate human study, it was also observed that licorice root reduces body fat in part by suppressing aldosterone, which is the hormone that tells your body to hold on to salt and water.

TNE-Banner-Ad5-2

Licorice root is available in many oral dosage forms. Excessive intake of licorice root can exacerbate hypertension and other heart problems, by disrupting the salt and water balance that your body strictly maintains so ask your doctor if it’s right for you. It happens compliments of the glycyrrhizin.

Some companies now make a deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice root, which is the form that is free of glycyrrhizin. It’s called “DGL” and while this form doesn’t really improve adrenal fatigue concerns, it is great for long-term use and specifically helpful for digestive problems of all sorts including gastritis, reflux and heartburn. DGL is best taken in a chewable tablet form about 20 minutes before eating your meals. DGL is a supplement I usually recommend to people who find themselves compelled to take acid blockers and antacids.

About the Author

suzycohenSuzy Cohen, RPh, has been a licensed pharmacist for 24 years and a Functional Medicine practitioner for 15 years. In particular, she loves Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet and thinks our planet Earth provides every “drug” we need. Does she ever advocate the use of pharmaceuticals? Absolutely, medications can be a blessing at certain times. Her mission is to teach about natural options that work as well, or better than medications. At 49 years old, she totally ‘gets’ that vibrant health is our most important blessing and feels like we’re in this together. Because she has intense training in human biochemistry and metabolic pathways, she knows exactly how natural herbs and drugs affect your body. The Functional Medicine perspective, married with her pharmacy background and combined with 20 years as a caregiver gives her incredible perspective on ways to get YOU better! Additionally, she has personal experience with thyroid issues and discusses it in her newest book, Thyroid HealthyBest-selling authorSuzy Cohen, RPh, is also a syndicated columnistFollow her at SuzyCohen.com!

PLEASE take a moment to ‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest. You can also listen to Tiffany and I on Thyroid Nation RADIO.

Questions or anything to add about Licorice Root? We want your thoughts in the comments section–Please! 

Stay up-to-date, get tips, articles and stories that inspire, on all things thyroid!