Chinese Licorice

the root is 200 times sweeter than sugar, and used as a sweetener.

Chinese Licorice was the most-prescribed TCM herb during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.
glycyrrhizin directly binds the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at the same spot it uses to attach to your cells (the ACE2 receptor), physically blocking the virus from entering. also active against the original SARS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, herpes simplex, shingles/chickenpox, influenza A, and epstein-barr virus.
good for COVID, flu, hepatitis B and C, recurrent herpes outbreaks, shingles, mono (epstein-barr), and post-viral fatigue.

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is one of the best validated natural treatments for stomach ulcers, both gastric and duodenal.
it coats and protects the stomach lining, stimulates mucus production, kills H. pylori bacteria, and reduces gastric inflammation. take 380-760mg chewable DGL tablets 20 minutes before meals.
good for stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, H. pylori infection, GERD, gastritis, post-NSAID stomach damage, IBS, and inflammatory bowel disease.

for coughs, it coats irritated throat tissue, loosens phlegm, and reduces airway inflammation.

protects the liver from chemical damage, alcohol damage, acetaminophen overdose, chronic hepatitis B and C, and chemotherapy drug toxicity.

the polysaccharides kill colon, breast, prostate, lung, and skin cancer cells while ALSO boosting immune cell function. estrogenic activity isn't ideal for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids.

shuts down chronic inflammation, useful for cytokine storm in severe infections, sepsis adjunct, allergic conditions, acute lung injury, and chronic inflammatory disease.

serious skin brightener. glabridin is about 16 times more potent than kojic acid at blocking the melanin-producing enzyme.
licochalcone A also kills the acne bacteria. apply topical extract for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, dark spots, and acne.
takes 4-8 weeks of consistent use to see results.

glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention and potassium loss via 11β-HSD2 inhibition.
long-term use can cause hypertension, edema, and dangerous potassium drops. AVOID if you have hypertension.
glycyrrhizin acts like aldosterone in your body, which raises sodium and drops potassium.

potassium loss can amplify digoxin toxicity (potentially fatal).
Avoid licorice root if you take diuretics, because it'll increase the amount of potassium excreted by the body.

typical safe dose: less than 100mg glycyrrhizin daily (about 1-5g whole gan cao daily). EU recommends not exceeding 100mg/day. NEVER use full-glycyrrhizin gan cao for more than 4-6 weeks continuously

for pregnancy, linked to preterm birth and lower birth weight in observational studies. estrogenic activity is also a concern.

reduces warfarin effectiveness by activating PXR.

chronic licorice use can lower testosterone in men by 25-44%.
FDA has warned eating 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause irregular heart rhythm, especially in people over 40

can treat insomnia, malaria, gastrointestinal problems, and infections.

great for weight loss and long term obesity prevention.
glycyrrhizin reduces body fat over 2 months of daily consumption, though weight loss is modest and the mechanism is partly water/sodium shifting rather than true fat loss.

provides antibacterial benefits against several microbes, including staphylococcus, streptococcus, and candida albicans.
kills bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay/cavities.

soothes sore throat. gargle licorice root extract or tea, before surgery to prevent sore throat.

also can help eczema even mixed with aloe vera.

can also increase blood pressure, but so does pizza.

Differences between some licorice species:

G. uralensis is a staple in Chinese medicine, frequently used for detoxification and reinforcing spleen qi.
contains the highest levels of glycyrrhizin, which can cause increased blood pressure and lower potassium levels if taken in large quantities or over long periods. If you have kidney failure and want to lower your potassium levels naturally, licorice is an effective choice, and it truly works. Try it and you'll see results in your next blood test.

G. glabra (European/Mediterranean Licorice): Commonly used in Western herbalism and, in its DGL form (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice), is ideal for treating ulcers and heartburn without the side effects of glycyrrhizin. often higher in glabridin (the skin brightener).