Licorice root, aptly nicknamed “sweet root,” contains a compound that is approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar. Although you may be familiar with its flavor, the black strings and bits sold in the candy aisle are not likely the real deal, since many licorice products manufactured in the United States contain only anise oil, which smells and tastes like black licorice. If you want to improve your sleep with licorice, purchase an herbal product rather than a confection.
Insomnia
A number of factors can cause insomnia, a problem that leads to unrestorative sleep and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Anxiety about a major life event and a cold or illness may cause transient insomnia, which lasts only a few days and generally resolves itself without medical intervention. Short-term insomnia might last up to three weeks. Both affect approximately 27 percent of people every year and most often women, according to Arizona University. For these types of insomnia, you might use herbal remedies, such as licorice. Although chronic insomnia, which lasts longer than three weeks, generally is a multilevel problem that you should discuss with your doctor to avoid bigger problems that stem from sleep deprivation.
Anxiety-Induced Insomnia
Among the many symptoms of anxiety are muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, stomach upset, irritability and restlessness. Anxiety can interfere with your sleep, making it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some professionals recommend using licorice to reduce anxiety, although the herb is not right for people who use certain medications. If your anxiety leads to chronic insomnia, consult your doctor for advice.
Illness-Related Insomnia
Nasal dripping and chronic coughing can make it difficult to sleep, which could lead to transient or short-term insomnia. Licorice is a traditional treatment for cough and cold, which you might sip in tea form or take as a tablet or capsule. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says although licorice is used for bronchitis, sore throats and infections, there is not enough evidence to prove its efficacy.
Safety
Before using licorice as a sleep aid, discuss safety and dosages with your doctor. The safety of licorice has not been thoroughly studied for uses exceeding four to six weeks, so people with chronic insomnia should not use the herb as a long-term treatment. In large doses, it can cause salt or water retention, low potassium levels and high blood pressure. People who use certain medications, such as corticosteroids, diuretics, estrogens and antihypertensives should use caution because interactions are possible.
