Known Herbal Formulas of Licorice

The simplest formula for any irritation in the whole digestive tract, from the throat to the colon, is 1 part powdered Licorice root to 3 parts powdered Slipper Elm, slowly mixed with water to a gruel-like consistency. Take ¼ cup 4 times a day so that 1 cup of gruel has been consumed.

For a simple but effective cough syrup, dice up onions and cover with honey, add 1 ounce Licorice powder. Heat this mixture over a very low temperature or in a double boiler for 4 hours. Strain and add ¼ part of vegetable glycerin, which enhances its preservation power as well as adding healing properties of its own. Take it by the spoonful as needed. A stimulating herb such as cayenne or ginger can be added to intensify the effects.

Dr Shook gives a good basic formula for a decoction or glyceride of Licorice root: 4 ounces of cut licorice root to 3 pints of distilled water. Simmer the roots in the water slowly for 20 minutes. Strain off the liquid and simmer again, until the volume is reduced to three-fourths of a pint. Add 4 ounces pure vegetable glycerin and mix well. Cool then bottle in dark bottles and store in a cool place.

Some of Dr. Christopher’s most popular formulas contain licorice. One of the best blood purifying formulas a person can find is the Blood Stream Formula. This contains 2 parts Red clover and the rest in 1 part; Chaparral, Licorice root, Poke root, Peach bark, Oregon grape root, Stillingia, Cascara sagrada, Sarsaparilla, Prickly ash bark, Burdock root, and Buckthorn bark. Licorice, with its cortisone-like effect, is in this formula to help correct cell deterioration, build the adrenals and energize the body.

Since Licorice is so good for the adrenals, it is obviously found in Dr. Christopher’s Adrenal Formula. This formula contains Mullein leaves, Licorice Root, Siberian Ginseng Root, Gotu Kola Herb, Hawthorn Berries, Lobelia Herb, Cayenne Pepper and Ginger Root. Licorice supplies the adrenal glands with food to nourish the area as well as to rebuild the glands.

As mentioned previously in this paper, the adrenal glands need a “meal,” some type of nourishment, every 5 hours or so. Many people try to fill this need by eating empty calories; therefore making the problem worse and often times causing an overweight condition. This is why Licorice can also be found in the Appetite formula. This formula contains Chickweed, Saffron, Burdock, Parsley root, Kelp, Echinacea, Black walnut, Licorice, Fennel, Papaya, and Hawthorn berries. Licorice is used here to feed the adrenal glands; therefore decreasing the desire to overeat and give the body energy, stamina and endurance to make it through the day.

If the adrenal glands aren’t fed properly, then this causes a breakdown of the glands as well as a breakdown in the pancreas. A hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic condition occurs in the body. When the adrenals are nourished that in turn helps the pancreas balance insulin levels; this is why Licorice is found in the Pancreas Formula. The herbs in this formula are Golden Seal, Uva ursi, Cayenne, Cedar berries, Licorice root and Mullein.

The last of Dr. Christopher’s formulas that contain Licorice is the very popular Hormonal Changease. Licorice is in this formula because it contains natural female hormones, which are needed by both males and females. Our bodies require a balance of both types of hormones. When given the proper nourishment, our bodies will take only what it needs and discard what it doesn’t, so men don’t need to worry about getting “too much” of the female hormones. This formula is a great hormone balancer for men and women, boys and girls. The herbs in this formula are Black Cohosh, Sarsparilla, Ginseng, Licorice, False Unicorn, Holy Thistle and Squaw Vine.