Crohn's disease is a condition characterized by severe inflammation of your digestive tract. It commonly affects the final section of the small intestines, but inflammation can occur anywhere in the intestinal tract. Approximately 500,000 Americans suffer from Crohn's disease, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. While practitioners of conventional medicine often prescribes analgesic, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial drugs to treat Crohn's disease, practitioners of alternative medicine claim that licorice tea may help relieve inflammation and other symptoms associated with the condition.
Chrohn's Disease
Symptoms of the disease include pain, diarrhea, fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite and intestinal and mouth ulcers. The onset of attacks commonly begins in a patient's twenties and tends to recur. If the disease continues for years, it can lead to a gradual deterioration of bowel functioning.
About Licorice
Indigenous to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, the licorice plant grows up to 3 feet tall with dark, green leaves, cream flowers and small fruit pods. Its extensive root system can spread to 3 feet. Primarily known as a candy flavoring, the roots of licorice contain glycyrrhizinic acid, a key constituent that is 50 times sweeter than sugar, according to Andrew Chevallier, naturopath and author of the book "DK Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine." The roots not only produce a distinctive candy flavoring but also constitute the source of the plant's medicinal value.
Licorice Crohn's Disease Link
While the cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown, heredity, food allergies and a faulty immune system may be risk factors. According to Steven Foster, author of the book "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine," licorice appears to stimulate your immune system, helping to eliminate one of the risk factors of Crohn's disease. Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," claims that when residual bacteria remains in your intestine, they may lead to ulceration and inflammation leading to Crohn's disease. Balch says that the antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral glycyrrhizinic acid contained in licorice promotes the healing of ulcers by aiding in complete digestion and supporting your stomach's protective mucous coating. Balch adds that glycyrrhizinic acid also helps fortify the cell linings of intestinal walls. Chris D. Meletis, naturopath and author of the book "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs," recommends preparing a tea by steeping 1 tsp. of powdered licorice root in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 1/2 cup after meals.
Cautions and Considerations
While large doses of whole licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism, a condition characterized by high blood pressure, water retention, fatigue, headaches and heart attacks, the diluted levels of licorice found in tea are generally recognized as safe. Children, pregnant and nursing women, and others with liver damage, kidney disease, estrogen-related cancers, diabetes, heart problems and hypertension should avoid licorice in any form. Do not attempt to self-treat symptoms of Chron's disease with licorice or any other herbal remedy. Talk to your health-care practitioner before taking this herb or if you experience any symptoms.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Crohn's Disease Symptoms
- "DK Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster; 2006
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Licorice
- "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs"; Chris D. Meletis; 2002
