Licorice is not just a candy! The licorice plant is an adaptogenic herb whose root has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. This herb has many uses, including for ulcers, indigestion, and as an antiviral. And science shows you can use licorice root for adrenal fatigue as well.
Licorice naturally grows throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and certain areas in Asia (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). The species commonly grown in the United States is the former. Also known as sweet root, licorice extract is 30 to 60 times sweeter than cane sugar.
Long used in Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, licorice root was used for colds, coughs, pain, and gut health issues. Modern medicine has supported these anti-inflammatory uses (Yang). Furthermore, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine also regard licorice root as a drug that, when used with other herbal remedies, enhances their effects.
Europeans also used this herb extensively. They used it for multiple ailments, from coughs to liver disease.
By the twentieth century, however, licorice primarily became used in candy, and its popularity as an herbal remedy sharply declined. But it has made a strong comeback in recent years. And research strongly supports the herb's beneficial properties.
Researchers have found licorice root to contain several active compounds. We will look at four main types of these compounds.
These compounds have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Western medicine commonly uses these compounds in cancer therapy, including for leukemia, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma (Akkol).
They have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumoral properties. They also provide immune system support.
Besides their strong anti-inflammatory properties, they also promote heart health, may help prevent cancer, promote nervous system health, and address diabetes (Akinwumi).
These possess strong antioxidant, antiviral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the flavonoids found in licorice root, glabridin, besides having strong anti-inflammatory properties, also has a beneficial effect on your metabolism. Working as a phytoestrogen, it may also benefit people with estrogen problems.
Many health issues can be connected to adrenal fatigue and stress. Adrenal fatigue results from chronic stress. When you encounter a stressor, physical or psychological, your Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis sends chemical messengers to your NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response. This results in a cascade of actions throughout your entire body commonly known as the "fight or flight" response. After the stressor has passed, this response must turn off so the body can rest and repair.
With prolonged stress, however, this NEM response continues, putting a tremendous burden on different body functions but especially your adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, the stress hormone. Ultimately, you may see your heart health suffer and health issues arising resulting from hormone imbalances. Some of the most common symptoms or conditions associated with adrenal fatigue include:
Taking licorice root for adrenal fatigue may help with some of these health issues associated with the condition.
Licorice, an adaptogenic herb, has a balancing effect on the body. When your body’s balance is skewed in a certain direction, it will help restore balance. In hormones, for example, it can help to decrease the levels of certain hormones if they are too high or increase them if too low.
It is these adaptogenic properties of licorice that make it suitable for supporting adrenal health. The beginning phases of adrenal fatigue, for example, are characterized by a higher cortisol output, while the latter stages see a decline in cortisol levels. Licorice works to balance your adrenal glands’ cortisol output.
When it comes to your NEM response, licorice root for adrenal fatigue offers the following benefits:
While licorice root can help adrenal fatigue and its associated symptoms, not everyone should use it.
It could potentially raise your cortisol levels and blood pressure levels. These elevated blood pressure levels could also affect your heart health.
Furthermore, taking large dosages has possible negative consequences such as headaches. A high dosage constitutes taking more than a maximum of 20g of a licorice root supplement daily.
People taking high dosages of a licorice supplement for a prolonged period may experience serious consequences, such as a condition known as pseudoaldosteronism. This condition, where your body becomes extremely sensitive to the hormone aldosterone, results in high blood pressure, possible heart attack, fatigue, water retention, and frequent headaches.
People who have kidney issues or heart problems should consider a different supplement. The supplement should also best be avoided if you suffer from fluid retention.
While licorice may have some blood sugar-modulating effects, people with diabetes should talk to a doctor first before using licorice as it may interfere with blood sugar control.
And while licorice compounds are being studied for their anti-cancer effects, you should first talk to a doctor well-versed in herbal remedies and your health concerns if you have cancer and are considering licorice.
Please take a licorice root supplement with caution. Although a natural remedy, it can have side effects and cause health complications, particularly if used for longer than four weeks. Consult your primary physician about the supplement’s suitability.
People often struggle to find safe, effective, 100% natural supplements. Some people also find the wide variety of supplements available overwhelming. Because of this, we have simplified matters and started our own range of natural, safe supplements.
For those wanting to address adrenal fatigue-related digestive issues, we suggest Adrenal Gut Restore by Dr. Lam. This product incorporates not only the benefits of licorice root for adrenal fatigue but aloe vera as well. The benefits of aloe vera include its powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties, its ability to promote wound healing, the gentle laxative effect that eases constipation, and its ability to moderate blood sugar levels.
The recommended dosage for this product is one capsule daily.
Please do not take this, or any other supplement without first consulting a qualified healthcare provider. They are best able to determine its efficacy according to your stage of adrenal fatigue and the appropriate dosage. Furthermore, please take note that some supplements may interact with certain medications or may not be suitable for use if you have certain health conditions. Remember, the cause of your symptoms may vary from one person to the next. So, what works for one person may not work for another.
An adaptogenic herb, licorice root for adrenal fatigue and its associated symptoms may help you feel more energetic while providing adrenal support. But the supplement may not suit everyone, including those with blood pressure issues, kidney issues, or related chronic conditions.
If you would like to know more about licorice root for adrenal fatigue and its efficacy for your situation, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free** no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234. We will privately and confidentially discuss your concerns.
Boost energy and balance your gut naturally!
Yang, Rui, et al. “The Anti-inflammatory Activity of Licorice, a Widely Used Chinese Herb.” PubMed Central (PMC), 21 Sept. 2016, https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2016.1225775.
Akkol, Esra Küpeli, et al. “Coumarins and Coumarin-Related Compounds in Pharmacotherapy of Cancer.” PubMed Central (PMC), 19 July 2020, https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12071959.
“Effects of Triterpenes on the Immune System – PubMed.” PubMed, 2 Mar. 2010, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.045.
The effectiveness for licorice for adrenal fatigue depends on the stage of your condition. Your healthcare provider is best able to advise you on suitability and dosage. Depending on other underlying issues like kidney problems or heart disease, you may need to consider something else.
