glycyrrhiza glabra

wild licorice

Has over 400 phytochemicals, which all have healing qualities. Can grow up to 9 ft tall. Leaf stems have up to 15 thin leaves on them. Small whitish flowers. Seed pods are prickly with curved spines. Similar to the famous Asian licorice root, a very common medicinal plant. Roots are sweet. Great sweetener for tea. Raw licorice root and flowers have been historically used to treat hormone imbalances in men and just about every female problem known, giving women a sense of well being and control. Licorice is a source of DHEA and contains phytoestrogens which help reduce the adverse effects of estrogen on the prostate and reduces prostate enlargement in men. It blocks the formation of DHT from testosterone so it helps stop hair loss. Stimulates aldosterone, a key adrenal hormone. It’s an immunestimulating steroidal anti-allergy, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-tumor, antioxidant, adaptogen, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory with chemical components similar to cortisone (without the bad side effects) Used for respiratory/lung conditions like bronchitis, asthma, coughs, sore throat, hoarseness. Also bladder infections, stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, allergies. Helps detox poisons, Chew fruit for toothaches and gum disease (antibacterial). Balances blood sugar. Helps pancreas of people with diabetes cut down on insulin. If used too much, can raise blood pressure, hypertension and sodium retention. Use only one month at a time. Complete B complex (except B12), A, C, E, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, zinc, lecithin, coumarins, fatty acids (caprylic, hexonic, and palmitic), bioflavonoids, saponins, phytoestrogens, salicylic acid (aspirin). Used as an liver and kidney tonic, increases bile flow from liver, builds nerve tissue, removes arterial plaque, reduces body fat, treats hypoglycemia, ulcers, laxative, expectorant, regulates intestinal flora, helps alleviate foot cramps, boosts interferon to help fight bacteria and viruses, helps build strong muscle tissue, healthy heart function. Recommended to take for a month, then stop for a week or two before starting again. (or two weeks on and 4 days off) Licorice is not recommended for people with history of renal failure (kidneys), liver disease or who take heart medication or steroid drugs. Do not take if pregnant. The natural plant is good for you, but avoid the store-bought standardized form that can dangerously raise blood pressure. Used externally for herpes, eczema and shingles.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

licorice

(lik-e-rish) licorice,

Glycyrrhiza glabra

(trade name),

deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL)

(trade name),

sweet root

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: antiulcer agents
Dyspepsia.

Action

Licorice blocks the metabolism of prostaglandins E and F2 alpha and may accelerate peptic ulcer healing. Licorice root also has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and soothing properties.

Therapeutic effects

Improved symptoms of dyspepsia.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity.Pregnancy and lactation.Use Cautiously in: Congestive heart failure.Hypertension.Renal disease.Hypokalemia.Consumption of 30 grams/day or more for several weeks can cause severe adverse events.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

headache
lethargy

Cardiovascular

arrhythmias
hypertension

Endocrinologic

pseudohyperaldosteronism
hyperparathyroidism
decreased serum testosterone

Fluid and Electrolyte

hypokalemia
sodium and water retention

Gastrointestinal

nausea
vomiting

Genitourinary

acute renal failure

Musculoskeletal

muscle weakness

Interactions

↑ risk of cardiotoxicity with cardiac glycosides ↓ effectiveness of antihypertensives ↑ potassium loss with potassium-depleting diuretics ↑ metabolism and ↓ levels of warfarin Licorice causes potassium depletion which may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity withcardiac glycoside-containing herbs (digitalis) Additive potassium depletion can occur with stimulant laxative herbs (senna) Oral (Adults) Dyspepsia—1 mL three times daily (Iberogast — combination product with other herbs) for 4 weeks

Availability

Liquid extract: Tablets: Capsules:

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

Assess GI function (bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and usual pattern of bowel function) before and periodically during therapy.
Monitor blood pressure and ECG periodically during prolonged therapy.
Lab Test Considerations: Monitor 17–hydroxyprogesterone concentrations, electrolytes, LDH, lipid profile, liver function tests, plasma renin, renal function test, and testosterone periodically during therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

Oral: Administration should be limited to 4 wks.

Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct patient to take as directed.
Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Reduction in dyspepsia.

liquorice

A preparation from the root of a legume, usually Glycyrrhiza glabra, which contains asparagine, betaine, chalcones, choline, coumarins, flavonoids, glycyrrhizin, gums, isoflavonoids and saponins. Liquorice has a high content of glycyrrhizic acid—glucuronic acid + glycyrrhetinic acid—which is structurally similar to steroids, explaining its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antirheumatic effects; it is antitussive, demulcent, expectorant, laxative, sedative and reduces serum glucose and cholesterol.

Chinese medicine
Liquorice is used topically for abscesses and wounds, and internally for abdominal pain and spasms, alcohol and other intoxications, asthma, cholecystitis, cirrhosis, colds, coughing and wheezing, constipation, diabetes, fever, gastritis, gastric ulcers, heartburn, hepatitis, lung congestion, and sore throat.

Herbal medicine
In Western herbal medicine, Glycyrrhiza glabra is used topically for eczema, herpes and skin infections, and internally for arthritis, colic, constipation, cough, gastric ulcers, hepatitis and for many of the same conditions as Chinese medicine.

Toxicity
Excess liquorice causes mineralocorticoid excess (e.g., suppresses 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and the RAA axis), with sodium and water retention, hypertension, hypokalemia and myopathy with myoglobulinuria; it should not be used in patients with glaucoma, hypertension, renal disease or pregnancy.
Sexology
Liquorice has an unsubstantiated reputation as an aphrodisiac. Its erotic power is mentioned in the Kama Sutra, and liquorice potions are recommended for “sexual vigour”. Liquorice odours are said to increase blood flow to the genitalia.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

glycyrrhiza glabra

wild licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL)

sweet root

Classification

Action

Therapeutic effects

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

Cardiovascular

Endocrinologic

Fluid and Electrolyte

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Musculoskeletal

Interactions

Availability

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

liquorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Synonyms for Glycyrrhiza glabra

noun deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves

Synonyms

Related Words