Herbal licorice, known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is derived from a perennial that is indigenous to certain parts of Asia and Europe. The component used in candy, tea and medicinal products, called glycyrrhizin -- an aromatic, flavorful substance that is 50 times sweeter than sugar -- is extracted from the root. Licorice plays a role in improving adrenal function. Adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate the body's response to stress. Consult your doctor if you suffer from stress or are considering taking herbal licorice.
Adrenal Glands and Stress
The adrenal glands are often called stress glands. They're located above the kidneys and are responsible for releasing adrenaline, a chemical that increases alertness and focus, and cortisol, a primary stress hormone that converts and releases stored sugar and improves energy. Licorice is sometimes used in combination with other herbs to control stress, especially in people who take medications that suppress adrenal gland activity.
About Stress
Stress is a normal --- and powerful --- response that was originally hard-wired into our brains to protect us from predators. Today, most of our stress comes from daily demands, from work responsibilities to obligations at home. Stress can elevate your heart rate, raise blood pressure and increase energy. Too much can make you feel tense, nervous, anxious and depressed, which can develop into an anxiety disorder. While medications and lifestyle changes have been shown to successfully manage stress, licorice can be used as a natural, alternative treatment. However, little scientific evidence exists in support of this method.
Side Effects
Consuming too much glycyrrhizin, the main compound in licorice that is responsible for its flavor and aroma, can have serious side effects. Prolonged daily ingestion can cause a condition that leads to the overproduction of essential hormones, including aldosterone, according to a 1987 article published in the Italian journal "Minerva Medica." The condition, pseudoaldosteronism, can lead to oversensitivity to the hormone and can cause headaches, lethargy, high blood pressure and more. A 2006 study published in "Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics" found that anxiety disorders in patients with increased levels of aldosterone was much higher than in the general population.
Warnings
When using licorice to reduce your stress levels, be sure you're consuming herbal licorice rather than the black or cherry-flavored confections sold as candy. In fact, these days, candy licorice often does not contain any of the herbal extract. Some licorice candies are made with anise oil, which is similar in taste and odor to glycyrrhizin. Candy with authentic licorice root extract will say "licorice extract" or "licorice root extract" on the package.
References
- MedlinePlus: Licorice; July 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Licorice; March 2010
- "Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine"; Antioxidant Effect of Licorice Root on Blood Catalase Activity in Vibration Stress
- MayoClinic.com: Stress: Constant Stress Puts Your Health At Risk; September 2010
- Women to Women: Adrenal Health
- "Minerva Medica"; Pseudoaldosteronism Caused by Licorice; G. Colloredo; 1987
