The Licorice Plant & Herb
The licorice plant provides us with the licorice herb (also called Glycyrrhiza glabra), which is one of the many natural herbs for menopause.
This herbal supplement is made from the roots of the licorice plant which grows mainly in Europe.
Historically, it has been used by the Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, and Hidus.
King Tut and other Egyptian royalties were buried with licorice root, as the Egyptians thought that licorice root was a key ingredient in a sweet drink made in the after life.
Don't confuse this lovely little herb with its candy namesake, which is ironically not flavored with licorice, but with anise.
The licorice herb is one of the most widely used herbs because it has so many applications.
Why Does It Work?
The licorice herb contains isoflavones and lignans.
Both of these are types of plant estrogen which give our bodies estrogen effects and help to balance our estrogen and progesterone levels. The structure of this plant estrogen is very similar to the structure of the estrogen produced in our bodies.
It also stimulates our adrenal hormones and gives aniti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, antibacterial, and anticancer effects.
The Licorice Plant & You
This herb is good for many ailments. I've limited this list to those that are directly related to menopause, but know that it also fights a number of other issues including asthma, canker sores, and ulcers.
If you want to investigate the other uses for licorice, see this site.
Know that it can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), so be sure to see your doctor if this is a possible issue for you. Also, if you are pregnant, don't start using herbal licorice without consulting your doctor first.
- Depression: Licorice herb is a good alternative to St. John's Wart, which is another herb that helps to fight depression and alleviate stress.
- Fatigue: The licorice herb helps to replenish your adrenal function by acting like cortisol.
- Irregular Periods: Licorice can help because of its estrogen-progesterone balancing effects.
- Vaginal Dryness: Some women use a cream made from licorice root to treat their vaginal dryness.
- Breast Tenderness: Again, because of its estrogen effects, it can help breast tenderness.
- Yeast Infections: (affiliate link) The antibacterial aspect of licorice can help to ward off yeast infections.
- Headaches: It acts a bit like aspirin to get rid of headaches.
- Digestive Issues: It's good for heartburn, indigestion, and constipation.
Licorice Tea, Drops, or Capsules?
There are many forms in which you can take licorice root. You may sip on a lovely cup of herbal licorice tea, you can take licorice drops, or you can take licorice capsules.
If you take the drops or capsules, it's recommended that you take them with food. You should not use daily for more than 4-6 weeks without doctor supervision. I recommend using your supplements for four days every two weeks.
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