Most adults experience stress throughout daily life, whether it be caused by finances, work environments or family complications. The sensation of stress is your body's natural reaction to any form of stimulus, and when the body undergoes stressful moments adrenaline production is increased, causing your heart to pump faster and your breathing quickens and shortens. Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts reports prolonged stress may cause headaches, chronic fatigue, eating habit alterations or irritability. While the effectiveness of consuming licorice for stress release is under debate within the scientific community, doing so may indirectly help reduce stress hormones.
Active Compounds
The primary active compounds within licorice include polysaccharide sterols, flavonoids, isoflavones, triterpenoid saponins, amino acids, coumarins and amines. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states these ingredients may contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and estrogenic properties. While the proposed uses of licorice include treating prostate cancer, inflammation, constipation, microbial infections and menopausal symptoms, little scientific data are available to determine the true effectiveness of this herb.
Licorice and Stress
The American Academy of Pain Management states licorice is classified as an adaptogen, a select group of substances used by the body to help adapt to stress. Adaptogens are known to help limit damage done to the body through stress responses. The consumption of licorice is suggested to supplement the endogenous cortisol production, which slows hormone production from the adrenal glands. While the true effectiveness of licorice for stress reduction is under investigation by the scientific community, initial research is promising.
Dosage Recommendations
Due to the potential toxicity of licorice, dosage should be limited to 1 to 5 g of dried root taken for no longer than seven days. Bring 8 oz. of water to a rolling boil, and add 1 to 5 g of dried licorice root. Allow the root to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and consume up to three times per day. Licorice is also available in a standardized extract. Consume 250 to 500 mg up to three times per day. Make sure the extract contains at least 20 percent glycyrrhetinic acid.
Safety Considerations
Discuss the use of licorice for stress release with your physician before starting a supplementation routine. Never consume this herb for longer than one week without the direct consent from your doctor. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease or diabetes should not supplement with licorice.
