Licorice Root

LICORICE ROOT – THE UNIVERSAL BALANCER

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Origin and Legacy

Licorice root has a long-standing history as a universal harmonizer in traditional medicine systems from the Middle East to Asia. Native to parts of southern Europe and Western Asia, the plant’s sweet, golden root has been used for over 3,000 years as both medicine and flavoring.

  • Beloved in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a guiding herb that harmonizes formulas

  • Known as the “cure-all” of ancient Egypt, found buried with pharaohs for use in the afterlife

  • Widely used in Ayurveda, Greek, Roman, and Persian healing traditions

  • Referenced in classical texts for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating qualities

Medicinal Potential

Licorice root works across multiple systems – soothing, moistening, nourishing, and regulating the body’s stress response.

  • Adrenal & Endocrine Support
    Helps modulate cortisol levels, supporting energy, stamina, and adrenal recovery. Especially valuable during periods of burnout, hormonal imbalance, or immune suppression.

  • Digestive Soother
    Coats and soothes inflamed or irritated mucous membranes - used traditionally for ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, and leaky gut.

  • Anti-inflammatory & Antiviral
    Contains glycyrrhizin, known to reduce inflammation, modulate immune response, and exhibit antiviral activity (especially for respiratory infections and herpes viruses).

  • Lung & Throat Support
    Moistens dry lungs, calms coughs, and clears phlegm. A common ingredient in throat soothers, lung tonics, and expectorant blends.

  • Liver Protector
    Supports liver detoxification, reduces liver enzyme markers, and has shown hepatoprotective effects in clinical studies.

  • Harmonizer & Amplifier
    In herbal formulas, licorice acts as a carrier and balancer, enhancing the effects of other herbs while softening any harsh or drying properties.

Energetics and Signature

Sweet | Moistening | Cooling
Licorice root is soft, golden, and grounding. It nourishes depleted yin, calms internal heat, and offers a gentle strength that supports deeper repair and integration.

Inside BurnOut Brew

Licorice root is a key supporting herb in BurnOut Brew - helping to regulate stress, soothe digestion, and harmonize the blend. It supports absorption while gently amplifying the effects of Reishi, Goji, and other adaptogens.

Scientific Highlights

  • Rich in glycyrrhizin and glabridin – offering anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, and antioxidant benefits

  • Modulates cortisol metabolism and supports HPA axis balance

  • Demonstrates antiviral activity against influenza, SARS, herpes simplex, and others

  • Shown to improve mucosal healing and immune modulation in clinical research

Contraindications

  • Not for prolonged high-dose use without practitioner guidance

  • May increase blood pressure or potassium loss in sensitive individuals

  • Caution in pregnancy, hypertension, or with corticosteroid medications

  • Best used in shorter cycles or in deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL) for gut support

Sourcing

  • Sustainably grown and sun-dried

  • Whole root form and powdered extract

  • Organically sourced from reputable growers in Central Asia and the Mediterranean

Botanical Wisdom

Licorice reminds us of the power of gentle sweetness. It doesn’t rush. It harmonizes. It teaches us to soften in order to restore - to nourish the inner waters when we’ve gone dry.

References

  1. Fiore, C. et al. (2005). Licorice: from pseudohyperaldosteronism to therapeutic uses. Frontiers in Bioscience.

  2. Wang, Z., et al. (2015). Antiviral activity of licorice constituents and their derivatives against herpes simplex virus type 1. Phytotherapy Research.

  3. Isbrucker, R. A., & Burdock, G. A. (2006). Risk and safety assessment on the consumption of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza sp.), its extracts and glycyrrhizin. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.

  4. Subramanian, M., et al. (2011). Hepatoprotective effects of glycyrrhizin. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

  5. Bown, D. (1995). Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley.

Historical Insight – Egypt

Licorice root was indeed revered in ancient Egypt, used medicinally and found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The ancient Egyptians prepared a drink called Mai-sus, infused with licorice root, believed to soothe the body and spirit. It was considered a panacea — used to treat everything from indigestion and colds to wounds and fatigue.