Licorice root, though it can be used as a sweetener and flavoring agent in foods and candies, is a powerful medicinal and an herbal remedy for diabetes.Licorice Root as One of the Herbs That Cure Diabetes
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, Zhi Gan Cao, or mulethi, is an extremely versatile herb that can be used to cure diabetes among many other things. It combines well with Trifolium pratense / Red Clover as a natural antidiabetic herbal combination treatment. We discuss the use of red clover and licorice root as a natural treatment for migraine headaches at this link and diabetic patients can use the same formula to make a tea that treats diabetes.Glycyrrhizin is the most important medicinal substance in licorice root. It has been used as a sweetener and as a flavoring in candies, drinks, and foods throughout the world in addition to its use as a medicine. Glycyrrhizin is 50-100 times sweeter than sucrose which is why it was named “licorice”, by Pedanius Dioscorides. In Greek, this word means “sweet root”.
Glycyrrhiza glabra Medicinal Benefits
The Glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza glabra converts into a triterpenoid aglycone known as glycyrrhetic acid which is then conjuged into glucuronide and sulfate. Glycyrrhizin, thus functions as a powerful inhibitor of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.Glycyrrhizin binds directly with mineralcorticoid receptors while blocking 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes catalyze the conversion of natural cortisone in the body to cortisol and vice versa. As such, this enzyme regulates cellular access of glucocorticoids to steroid receptors.
Aldosterone is one of the primary mineralcorticoids and glycyrrhizin binds directly with aldosterone receptors to alter the electrolyte and water balance in the body. Glycyrrhizin can create water-electrolyte imbalances in the body that impact the heart and the kidneys. While aldosterone causes the body to conserve and reabsorb sodium via the kidneys, a hormone known as the “atrial natriuretic hormone” that’s secreted by the heart has the opposite effect, causing sodium to be removed by the kidneys.
Herbal Remedy for Diabetes
Licorice root is one of the oldest herbs in use in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an herbal cure for diabetes. A number of compounds in licorice root have antidiabetic effects including:- LIquiritigenin
- Glabridin
- Licochalcone A
- Glyrrhizin
- Licochalcone E
- Glycyrrhetinic acid
- Isoliquiritigenin
- Flavonoids
Glycyrrhiza glabra as an Herbal Remedy for Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes
As a natural treatment for metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of insulin resistance or diabetes, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia, licorice root stands out as a powerful curative agent. Glycyrrhiza glabra is able to lower blood glucose levels naturally and balance the blood lipid profile in diabetes. It can, however, increase blood pressure levels, so diabetics who have high blood pressure may opt to avoid this herb.
Glycyrrhiza glabra as an Alternative Treatment for Diabetic Eczema and Erythrasma
As a treatment for diabetic eczema, erythrasma, or skin rash due to diabetes and high blood sugar levels, licorice root may be extremely helpful via its mineralocorticoid effects on the body. Because licorice root can act as a natural corticosteroid treatment, it can be applied topically or it can be taken internally to get rid of a diabetic rash and inflammation naturally. So, if you don’t have high blood pressure, but you have skin manifestations resulting from high blood sugar levels, licorice root might be a good choice for you.
Erythrasma is a skin infection that afflicts patients with diabetes to cause scaly patches of melanized skin. Erythrasma is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteria which is normally not an infectious pathogen on human skin. In fact, Corynebacterium minutissimum is a part of the normal skin flora in healthy people. Brown patches of skin caused by infection with Corynebacterium minutissimum can occur between the toes on the feet or it can be generalized over the entire body.
As a side note, regarding Erythrasma and its tendency to manifest in some individuals between the toes, this diabetic skin pigmentation issue highlights the fact that diabetes is a disease affects the bladder, gallbladder, stomach, liver, and spleen to varying degrees that can be mapped using dermatomes that match areas where pigmentation is most visible on the body. The toes each represent one of these organs (with the pinky toe matched with the bladder and the big toe matched with the spleen in left-to-right order) in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Licorice root is a powerful medicine that works with all of these organs as well as the endocrine glands to treat diabetes natuarlly. It is a cure for stomach ulcers and it works to inactivate herpes and HIV viruses irreversibly, an added perk for diabetics who opt to use this herb for healing. It can be taken to treat respiratory issues like bronchitis and cough, but it simultaneously can be taken to relieve inflammation, irritation, and infection of the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract.
Glycyrrhiza glabra can be applied to the skin topically to reduce diabetic skin pigmentation / erythrasma. Consider combining 1/8th of a teaspoon of licorice root powder with 2-3 drops of a 5% concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to lighten the skin. It works as a natural skin lightening agent by blocking the enzyme tyrosinase that catalyzes the production of melanin in the skin.
Glycyrrhiza glabra works as an herbal remedy for diabetes mellitus in part via the inhibition of alpha-amylase activity. It is able to inhibit about 81% of alpha-amylase activity to reduce blood sugar levels naturally.
Note that licorice root is often combined with other anti-diabetes herbs because of its ability to strengthen the effects of the other herbs in the recipe. Also note that licorice root can cause hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the body. Supplement with potassium during and shortly after treatment with licorice root. Do not use this herb if you take thiazide, loop diuretics, or cardiac glycosides. It also should be avoided if you’re taking spironolactone, high blood pressure medications, corticoids, diuretics, MAOIs, or amiloride.
Buy Licorice Root / Glycyrrhiza glabra / Zhi Gan Cao Extract Here.
Licorice Root for Gestational Diabetes
Glycyrrhiza glabra should be used with caution during pregnancy, but it’s safe to use in moderation during the second and third trimesters (avoid licorice root completely during the first trimester). Glycyrrhiza glabra can be used during lactation and in fact, it is a galactagogue that can improve milk production naturally.Women with gestational diabetes can take an occasional dose of less than 500 mg of licorice root per day (for 1 to 2 days maximum) as part of an alternative treatment for gestational diabetes. Because licorice root should not be used continuously during pregnancy, it may be most valuable as an adjunct treatment that can be taken occasionally as part of a more comprehensive gestational diabetes treatment plan. In other words, licorice root might best be used to treat flare-ups or more serious, acute symptoms of gestational diabetes rather than being used as a cure for gestational diabetes.
Note that its effects on the fetus are most pronounced when the fetus is male though women who are carrying a baby that is female should also exercise caution and only use licorice root in small doses by doing only 1-2 doses at a time with breaks of at least 2 weeks between dosing.
Women with preeclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy should unconditionally avoid licorice root due to the plant’s aforementioned effects on blood pressure levels.
"The Natural Women's Health Guide... to Pregnancy - BUY HERE!"
Licorice Root during Lactation
Glycyrrhiza glabra can be used during lactation and in fact, it is a galactagogue that can improve milk production naturally. Mothers in Turkey often use licorice root to improve the taste and quality of their breastmilk. Excessive intake of licorice root by mothers in high doses for extended periods can cause anethole toxicity in breastfeeding infants.
Though short term use of licorice root is fine while breastfeeding, long-term use of licorice root during lactation should be avoided during lactation because it can disrupt adrenal function in both the mother and child.
Licorice Root as a Natural Treatment for Diabetes in Children
Licorice root should not be administered long-term to children. However, licorice root can be administered short-term even to infants to treat colic. As a part of a comprehensive herbal treatment for diabetes, licorice root can be used to treat acute symptoms that are distressing in children.Glycyrrhiza glabra Dosing as a Natural Diabetes Remedy
Administer 500 - 1000 mg up to 3 times daily in a tea. Boil the dried licorice root for 5-15 minutes to release the acrid medicinal substances into the tea.Women who are pregnant should start by administering ¼ of a normal dose and increase to half of the normal dose if the lowest dose has no impact on symptoms.
Administer topical creams that contain licorice root according to the package instructions. If you are using DMSO, do not combine the DMSO with over-the-counter or prescription creams containing licorice root because these products contain toxic chemicals that would be carried through the skin by DMSO. Only use pure licorice root powder with DMSO at a low concentration (5%) with proper dilution with filtered water.
Read more about the medicinal effects of DMSO here.
Read more about safety guidelines for DMSO here.
Consider taking a potassium supplement at 99-300 mg after treatment if you have taken licorice root for longer than 3 days.
Click here to subscribe to the Living Database!
Resources:
• Jafari, F. et al. (2021). A Review of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Effects on Metabolic Syndrome. Retrieved March 29, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34981491/
• Karthikeson, L. (2017). Antidiabetic Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra–An In Vivo Study. Retrieved March 29, 2023 from https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v44-1/22.pdf
• Sen, S. and Singh, R. (2021). Glycyrrhiza glabra alcoholic root extract ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and glycation-induced free iron-mediated oxidative reactions. Retrieved April 5, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34676570/
• Noreen, S. et al. (2021). Medicinal Uses of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.): A Comprehensive Review. Retrieved April 5, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357054545_Medicinal_Uses_of_Licorice_Glycyrrhiza_glabra_L_A_Comprehensive_Review
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Licorice root, though it can be used as a sweetener and flavoring agent in foods and candies, is a powerful medicinal and an herbal remedy for diabetes.Licorice Root as One of the Herbs That Cure Diabetes
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, Zhi Gan Cao, or mulethi, is an extremely versatile herb that can be used to cure diabetes among many other things. It combines well with Trifolium pratense / Red Clover as a natural antidiabetic herbal combination treatment. We discuss the use of red clover and licorice root as a natural treatment for migraine headaches at this link and diabetic patients can use the same formula to make a tea that treats diabetes.Glycyrrhizin is the most important medicinal substance in licorice root. It has been used as a sweetener and as a flavoring in candies, drinks, and foods throughout the world in addition to its use as a medicine. Glycyrrhizin is 50-100 times sweeter than sucrose which is why it was named “licorice”, by Pedanius Dioscorides. In Greek, this word means “sweet root”.
Glycyrrhiza glabra Medicinal Benefits
The Glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza glabra converts into a triterpenoid aglycone known as glycyrrhetic acid which is then conjuged into glucuronide and sulfate. Glycyrrhizin, thus functions as a powerful inhibitor of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.Glycyrrhizin binds directly with mineralcorticoid receptors while blocking 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes catalyze the conversion of natural cortisone in the body to cortisol and vice versa. As such, this enzyme regulates cellular access of glucocorticoids to steroid receptors.
Aldosterone is one of the primary mineralcorticoids and glycyrrhizin binds directly with aldosterone receptors to alter the electrolyte and water balance in the body. Glycyrrhizin can create water-electrolyte imbalances in the body that impact the heart and the kidneys. While aldosterone causes the body to conserve and reabsorb sodium via the kidneys, a hormone known as the “atrial natriuretic hormone” that’s secreted by the heart has the opposite effect, causing sodium to be removed by the kidneys.
Herbal Remedy for Diabetes
Licorice root is one of the oldest herbs in use in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an herbal cure for diabetes. A number of compounds in licorice root have antidiabetic effects including:- LIquiritigenin
- Glabridin
- Licochalcone A
- Glyrrhizin
- Licochalcone E
- Glycyrrhetinic acid
- Isoliquiritigenin
- Flavonoids
Glycyrrhiza glabra as an Herbal Remedy for Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes
As a natural treatment for metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of insulin resistance or diabetes, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia, licorice root stands out as a powerful curative agent. Glycyrrhiza glabra is able to lower blood glucose levels naturally and balance the blood lipid profile in diabetes. It can, however, increase blood pressure levels, so diabetics who have high blood pressure may opt to avoid this herb.
Glycyrrhiza glabra as an Alternative Treatment for Diabetic Eczema and Erythrasma
As a treatment for diabetic eczema, erythrasma, or skin rash due to diabetes and high blood sugar levels, licorice root may be extremely helpful via its mineralocorticoid effects on the body. Because licorice root can act as a natural corticosteroid treatment, it can be applied topically or it can be taken internally to get rid of a diabetic rash and inflammation naturally. So, if you don’t have high blood pressure, but you have skin manifestations resulting from high blood sugar levels, licorice root might be a good choice for you.
Erythrasma is a skin infection that afflicts patients with diabetes to cause scaly patches of melanized skin. Erythrasma is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteria which is normally not an infectious pathogen on human skin. In fact, Corynebacterium minutissimum is a part of the normal skin flora in healthy people. Brown patches of skin caused by infection with Corynebacterium minutissimum can occur between the toes on the feet or it can be generalized over the entire body.
As a side note, regarding Erythrasma and its tendency to manifest in some individuals between the toes, this diabetic skin pigmentation issue highlights the fact that diabetes is a disease affects the bladder, gallbladder, stomach, liver, and spleen to varying degrees that can be mapped using dermatomes that match areas where pigmentation is most visible on the body. The toes each represent one of these organs (with the pinky toe matched with the bladder and the big toe matched with the spleen in left-to-right order) in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Licorice root is a powerful medicine that works with all of these organs as well as the endocrine glands to treat diabetes natuarlly. It is a cure for stomach ulcers and it works to inactivate herpes and HIV viruses irreversibly, an added perk for diabetics who opt to use this herb for healing. It can be taken to treat respiratory issues like bronchitis and cough, but it simultaneously can be taken to relieve inflammation, irritation, and infection of the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract.
Glycyrrhiza glabra can be applied to the skin topically to reduce diabetic skin pigmentation / erythrasma. Consider combining 1/8th of a teaspoon of licorice root powder with 2-3 drops of a 5% concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to lighten the skin. It works as a natural skin lightening agent by blocking the enzyme tyrosinase that catalyzes the production of melanin in the skin.
Glycyrrhiza glabra works as an herbal remedy for diabetes mellitus in part via the inhibition of alpha-amylase activity. It is able to inhibit about 81% of alpha-amylase activity to reduce blood sugar levels naturally.
Note that licorice root is often combined with other anti-diabetes herbs because of its ability to strengthen the effects of the other herbs in the recipe. Also note that licorice root can cause hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the body. Supplement with potassium during and shortly after treatment with licorice root. Do not use this herb if you take thiazide, loop diuretics, or cardiac glycosides. It also should be avoided if you’re taking spironolactone, high blood pressure medications, corticoids, diuretics, MAOIs, or amiloride.
Buy Licorice Root / Glycyrrhiza glabra / Zhi Gan Cao Extract Here.
Licorice Root for Gestational Diabetes
Glycyrrhiza glabra should be used with caution during pregnancy, but it’s safe to use in moderation during the second and third trimesters (avoid licorice root completely during the first trimester). Glycyrrhiza glabra can be used during lactation and in fact, it is a galactagogue that can improve milk production naturally.Women with gestational diabetes can take an occasional dose of less than 500 mg of licorice root per day (for 1 to 2 days maximum) as part of an alternative treatment for gestational diabetes. Because licorice root should not be used continuously during pregnancy, it may be most valuable as an adjunct treatment that can be taken occasionally as part of a more comprehensive gestational diabetes treatment plan. In other words, licorice root might best be used to treat flare-ups or more serious, acute symptoms of gestational diabetes rather than being used as a cure for gestational diabetes.
Note that its effects on the fetus are most pronounced when the fetus is male though women who are carrying a baby that is female should also exercise caution and only use licorice root in small doses by doing only 1-2 doses at a time with breaks of at least 2 weeks between dosing.
Women with preeclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy should unconditionally avoid licorice root due to the plant’s aforementioned effects on blood pressure levels.
"The Natural Women's Health Guide... to Pregnancy - BUY HERE!"
Licorice Root during Lactation
Glycyrrhiza glabra can be used during lactation and in fact, it is a galactagogue that can improve milk production naturally. Mothers in Turkey often use licorice root to improve the taste and quality of their breastmilk. Excessive intake of licorice root by mothers in high doses for extended periods can cause anethole toxicity in breastfeeding infants.
Though short term use of licorice root is fine while breastfeeding, long-term use of licorice root during lactation should be avoided during lactation because it can disrupt adrenal function in both the mother and child.
Licorice Root as a Natural Treatment for Diabetes in Children
Licorice root should not be administered long-term to children. However, licorice root can be administered short-term even to infants to treat colic. As a part of a comprehensive herbal treatment for diabetes, licorice root can be used to treat acute symptoms that are distressing in children.Glycyrrhiza glabra Dosing as a Natural Diabetes Remedy
Administer 500 - 1000 mg up to 3 times daily in a tea. Boil the dried licorice root for 5-15 minutes to release the acrid medicinal substances into the tea.Women who are pregnant should start by administering ¼ of a normal dose and increase to half of the normal dose if the lowest dose has no impact on symptoms.
Administer topical creams that contain licorice root according to the package instructions. If you are using DMSO, do not combine the DMSO with over-the-counter or prescription creams containing licorice root because these products contain toxic chemicals that would be carried through the skin by DMSO. Only use pure licorice root powder with DMSO at a low concentration (5%) with proper dilution with filtered water.
Read more about the medicinal effects of DMSO here.
Read more about safety guidelines for DMSO here.
Consider taking a potassium supplement at 99-300 mg after treatment if you have taken licorice root for longer than 3 days.
Click here to subscribe to the Living Database!
Resources:
• Jafari, F. et al. (2021). A Review of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Effects on Metabolic Syndrome. Retrieved March 29, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34981491/
• Karthikeson, L. (2017). Antidiabetic Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra–An In Vivo Study. Retrieved March 29, 2023 from https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v44-1/22.pdf
• Sen, S. and Singh, R. (2021). Glycyrrhiza glabra alcoholic root extract ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and glycation-induced free iron-mediated oxidative reactions. Retrieved April 5, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34676570/
• Noreen, S. et al. (2021). Medicinal Uses of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.): A Comprehensive Review. Retrieved April 5, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357054545_Medicinal_Uses_of_Licorice_Glycyrrhiza_glabra_L_A_Comprehensive_Review
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