Licorice: The Medicinal Ingredient Behind the Candy

Licorice. For many people, it’s simply a candy with a long history. That candy, in years gone by, was sweetened by one of the most apoptogenic herbs in history. So, what’s so sweet about licorice?

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) stimulates the adrenal glands to function appropriately in regulating cortisol. When the stress hormone cortisol is chronically stimulated and is unregulated, health conditions ranging from cardiovascular to weight gain, fatigue to anxiety can go left unchecked and cause significant dysfunction. When cortisol is too high or too low at the wrong points in the day, people (typically women) will find themselves in a “wired and tired” loop.

Licorice root is traditionally used to support proper cortisol levels, especially in the morning. When the circadian rhythm (the sleep-wake pattern) is well-supported, health and wellness can follow suit. A sense of calm, sound sleep, and the ability to handle and manage stress go a long way in restoring health and vitality. By supporting cortisol levels, licorice does double duty and also supports energy!

During menopause, hormones go through a natural change. Sometimes that change isn’t as smooth as it ought to be due to interference that may have begun years before menopause. When those hormones flux into a more androgenic (higher testosterone) range, symptoms like facial hair, hot flashes, fatigue, increased body fat, and others can rear their heads, making menopause a miserable experience. Studies have shown licorice can help support women through this change and be highly beneficial!

The benefits of Licorice are different for each individual based on their individual needs. However, some benefits include the following:

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Remember, those hormones are a delicate balance! For more information and to find out how your body is producing, converting, and using cortisol and other hormones, contact a Wellness Way clinic.