🌙Unani / Islamic Medicine

Licorice (Sus)

Glycyrrhiza glabra

About Licorice (Sus)

Licorice (Sus) (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herb used in the Unani / Islamic Medicine tradition to help with Respiratory Issues, Digestive Issues, Stress, and Inflammation. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Liquorice (British English) or licorice (American English) (/ˈlɪkrɪʃ, ˈlɪkər-, -ɪs/ LIK-(ə-)rish, -ris) is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra from which a sweet flavour can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a herbaceous perennial legume native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, such as India. It is not botanically related to anise, star anise, or fennel, which are sources of similar flavouring compounds. Liquorice flavours are used as candies or sweeteners, particularly in...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Licorice (Sus) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Licorice (Sus) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Licorice (Sus) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
♨️

Steam Inhalation

1–2× daily during acute symptoms
  • Add 2–3 tbsp of Licorice (Sus) to a bowl of just-boiled water.
  • Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Licorice (Sus) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Avoid

Well-documented risk in pregnancy — regular/high licorice consumption (glycyrrhizin) has been linked in research to earlier delivery and effects on child cortisol regulation and behavioral development; most sources advise avoiding significant amounts, especially the concentrated root/extract form.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Glycyrrhizin passes into milk; regular use is generally limited given its effect on blood pressure and potassium levels.

Children

Use Caution

Small culinary/candy amounts are generally fine occasionally; regular or concentrated use can affect blood pressure and potassium levels and is not recommended for daily use.

Contraindications

  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Warnings

⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants

May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Blood pressure medications

Can raise blood pressure and counteract antihypertensives with prolonged use.

Digoxin

Licorice-induced potassium loss increases digoxin toxicity risk.

Diuretics, corticosteroids

Additive potassium depletion.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, North Africa

Climate

Arid to semi-arid

Habitat

Dry hillsides, river valleys, and cultivated gardens of the Middle East and Central Asia

🌿 To see Licorice (Sus) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Unani medicine practitioners and shops
  • South Asian and Middle Eastern grocery stores
  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Licorice (Sus), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.