Unlocking the Power of Licorice: A Natural Ally for Gut and Respiratory Health

For centuries, the sweet root of the Licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been treasured in traditional medicine systems from Ancient Egypt and Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda and European herbalism. Today, modern science is catching up, validating what our ancestors knew: Licorice isn't just a sweet treat it is a potent botanical with a wide array of health benefits for digestive and respiratory wellness.

A Brief History of Licorice in Traditional Medicine

Licorice has a long-standing reputation as a soothing and harmonizing herb. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as “Gan Cao” and is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. It has been used to relieve coughs, ease stomach discomfort, and enhance the effects of other herbs.

In ancient Egypt, Licorice root was brewed into sweet drinks for the pharaohs. In Greek and Roman cultures, Licorice was used to quench thirst and relieve stomach ailments during long military campaigns. Its diverse applications across cultures point to its enduring value as a health-supportive herb.

Licorice for Gut and Respiratory Health: What the Science Says

Gut Support

Licorice’s gut-soothing benefits stem from compounds like glycyrrhizin and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). According to human clinical trials:

• Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) has been shown to relieve functional dyspepsia, heartburn, and gastric ulcers by enhancing mucosal protection and stimulating mucus secretion in the stomach lining [Al-Avvad et al., 2022].
• A randomized controlled trial published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that DGL, taken before meals, reduced indigestion symptoms in adults within four weeks.

Respiratory Support

Licorice acts as an expectorant, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory agent for the respiratory system.

• A double-blind trial in Phytomedicine (2017) showed that a glycyrrhizin-containing lozenge significantly improved sore throat and cough symptoms in participants with upper respiratory infections.
• Glycyrrhizin has demonstrated antiviral effects and mucus-regulating properties, potentially helpful for chronic bronchitis and mild asthma [Yonezawa et al., 2019].

Who Can Benefit from Licorice?

Licorice supplementation is best suited for:

• Adults with functional digestive complaints (e.g., indigestion, ulcers, mild gastritis)
• Adults and children over 12 with recurring upper respiratory infections, sore throats, or seasonal bronchitis
• Women experiencing PMS-related digestive upset, due to its estrogenic-like activity

Note: Glycyrrhizin-containing products should be used with caution in people with high blood pressure, kidney issues, or pregnant individuals. DGL is a safer option for long-term gut support.

The Canadian Context: How Big Is the Problem?

Gut Disorders in Canada:

• Over 5 million Canadians experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, and GERD.
• According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, 1 in 6 Canadians suffers from a significant digestive disorder annually.

Respiratory Conditions in Canada:

• Asthma affects nearly 3.8 million Canadians, with higher incidence among women.
• Acute bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections are among the top reasons for physician visits, especially during cold seasons.

Given the high prevalence of these issues, Licorice may serve as a supportive botanical to include in your overall health care plan and may represent an effective solution for millions of Canadians.

5 Pro Tips from Maxion for Better Gut and Respiratory Health

1. Eat more fiber: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help regulate digestion and feed healthy gut bacteria.
2. Hydrate often:  Water helps keep mucus membranes moist and supports healthy bowel movements.
3. Reduce processed foods and sugar: These can trigger inflammation and upset the balance of gut flora.
4. Breathe clean air: Use a HEPA filter at home and avoid smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
5. Supplement wisely: Natural products like Licorice, probiotics, and vitamin D can help maintain a healthy digestive and respiratory system.

Final Thoughts

Licorice is more than just an herbal remedy—it’s a time-tested ally for your digestive and respiratory systems, backed by centuries of use and growing clinical research. If you're looking to support gut comfort, ease seasonal respiratory symptoms, or fortify your wellness routine, Licorice may be the natural solution you've been looking for.

Maxion Nutrition’s Licorice Root Extract offers standardized potency and quality you can trust because your health deserves nothing less.

Sources:

• Al-Avvad, R. et al. (2022). Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice in the Management of Functional Dyspepsia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
• Yonezawa, A. et al. (2019). Glycyrrhizin's effects on viral replication and inflammation. Phytomedicine.
• Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (2023)
• Asthma Canada (2024)
• Madisch A, Melderis H, Mayr G, et al. [A plant extract and its modified preparation in functional dyspepsia. Results of a double-blind placebo controlled comparative study]. Z Gastroenterol 2001;39(7):511-7.
• Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, et al. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal preparation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Digestion 2004;69:45-52. 
• Mamgain RK, Gupta M, Mamgain P, et al. The efficacy of an ayurvedic preparation of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on radiation-induced mucositis in head-and-neck cancer patients: A pilot study. J Cancer Res Ther. 2020;16(3):458-462

Rabbani F, Raeisi M, Keivanfar M, Saffaei A, Sabzghabaee AM. The Efficacy of an Oral Formulation of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Viola odorata, and Operculina turpethum as an Add-on Therapy for Mild-to-moderate Childhood Asthma: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Res Pharm Pract. 2023;11(3):116-123. Published 2023 Mar 24