Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints, causing pain and inflammation. The most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Other examples include gout and lupus. Treatment varies according to the type of arthritis, but prescription anti-inflammatory medicines are commonly used to lessen swelling and pain. Some herbs, including licorice, might also have anti-inflammatory effects, however, there is little evidence that licorice is an effective arthritis treatment. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
A member of the pea family, licorice is commonly used to flavor and sweeten foods. However, Mississippi Baptist Health Systems notes that it has been used as a medicinal remedy since ancient times. Today, it is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for a number of conditions, including asthma, psoriasis, heartburn and herpes. An article published in "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications" in July 2006 notes that licorice might also play a role in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials evaluating licorice's efficacy as an arthritis treatment are lacking, so it is difficult to know whether individuals with arthritis might benefit from using this herb. However, the results of an animal study published in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology" show that licorice extract might help to prevent acute and chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
Administration
Licorice may be taken as a powder, in capsules or as a liquid tincture. It is sometimes added to creams and gels. You can also buy whole licorice root from many health food stores. Licorice is not a proven treatment for arthritis, so guidance regarding a suitable dose is lacking. However, Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that taking 300 mg of licorice root daily is likely safe for most adults.
Considerations
Although licorice is a natural treatment, like prescription medicines, it may cause side effects. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that although short-term licorice use is likely safe, using it for more than two weeks might cause high blood pressure and fluid retention. It might also reduce testosterone levels. Don't use it alongside corticosteroid drugs as it may heighten their effects. Do not take licorice if you are pregnant as it may cause premature birth.
References
- NHS Choices: Arthritis
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Licorice
- "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications"; Anti-Inflammatory effect of Roasted Licorice Extracts on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Murine Macrophages; J.K. Kim, et al.; July 2006
- "Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology"; Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Licorice and Roasted Licorice Extracts on TPA-Induced Acute Inflammation and Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice; K.R. Kim, et al.; March 2010
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