Licorice root, known in Thai medicine as ชะเอมเทศ, has long held a treasured place in traditional Thai and Chinese herbalism. Sweet to the tongue but potent in effect, it remains common in Thai households for coughs, ulcers, and digestive comfort. This revision examines how ancient beliefs align with contemporary science, and what Thai readers should consider when incorporating licorice into wellness routines.
In Thai traditional medicine, ชะเอมเทศ is valued not only for its sweetness but for soothing and balancing the body. Practitioners have used the root and underground stem as an expectorant, demulcent, and general tonic to support respiratory and digestive health. The idea of cooling and moisturizing the body harmonizes with holistic Thai and Chinese concepts of internal balance. Beyond Thailand, licorice has deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine as a harmonizing agent in formulas that often include multiple herbs.
Globally, licorice’s appeal comes from glycyrrhizin, a compound about 50 times sweeter than sugar. This sweetness underpins its use as a flavor enhancer in foods, beverages, and desserts, while its broader medicinal reputation spans anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, liver-protective, and immune-related effects. In Thailand, ชะเอมเทศ has historically supported remedies for sore throats, coughing, ulcers, indigestion, and fever, and it is still found in household syrups and throat lozenges.
Scientific inquiry explains licorice’s wide-ranging activity. More than 300 active compounds have been identified in Glycyrrhiza glabra, including triterpenoid saponins like glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids such as isoliquiritigenin and glabridin, and various coumarins. These substances collectively contribute to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, reinforcing many traditional uses. Data from reputable global studies indicate these compounds can modulate inflammatory mediators and may aid in managing chronic respiratory conditions and gastric discomfort.
Clinical and laboratory research supports several traditional applications. For example, licorice extracts and their derivatives have shown anti-inflammatory activity by dampening cytokines and enzymes involved in pain and swelling. They have also been linked to improvements in symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and COPD in some studies. In gastric care, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has demonstrated potential to heal ulcers and soothe mucous membranes, partly by enhancing protective mucus production. Some findings suggest licorice may aid in H. pylori-related ulcers when used alongside standard therapies.
Hepatoprotective effects have been observed in various contexts, with licorice extracts associated with better liver function markers in patients with hepatitis and reduced inflammatory signaling. While early evidence is encouraging, researchers emphasize the need for larger, high-quality human trials to confirm these benefits and establish optimal dosing.
In cancer research, laboratory studies show that certain licorice components can inhibit cancer cell growth and combat oxidative stress, though these results are preliminary. More human trials are required before licorice can be recommended as a cancer therapy.
Licorice’s antimicrobial properties align with its traditional use in oral care. Some studies indicate reduced dental plaque–related bacteria with licorice-containing products, and certain flavonoids may offer UV-protective and depigmenting effects in skincare. However, these findings are not yet a substitute for proven medical treatments.
Safety is crucial. Glycyrrhizin can interfere with cortisol metabolism, potentially leading to sodium retention, potassium loss, high blood pressure, and, in rare cases, serious cardiac or muscular complications. International guidelines generally cap glycyrrhizin intake at about 100 mg per day, though many common products exceed this limit if consumed in large amounts. People with hypertension, kidney disease, or those who are pregnant should avoid licorice products or use them only under medical supervision. Content variability—especially in dried roots, extracts, candies, and teas—means exact glycyrrhizin levels can differ, and interactions with diuretics, digitalis, or corticosteroids can amplify risks. Healthcare professionals advise using licorice as a complementary option rather than a replacement for conventional care.
The future of licorice in Thai health appears promising as researchers refine its use and safety. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a notable development that preserves protective effects while reducing adverse outcomes. Thai herbal practice may benefit from such advances, supporting safer integration of traditional remedies with modern medicine. Thailand’s herbal sector could also see licorice as a valuable crop for domestic use and export, aligned with national interests in sustainable, science-informed wellness products.
Culturally, licorice exemplifies the synthesis of Thai, Chinese, and Western medical knowledge. Its enduring relevance underscores how traditional observation can meet rigorous scientific evaluation, guiding mindful, culturally respectful use. For Thai readers seeking to incorporate ชะเอมเทศ into health routines, consider these actions:
- Consult trained practitioners of Thai traditional medicine, especially if you have chronic conditions, take medications, or are pregnant.
- Choose reputable, clearly labeled products to ensure consistent dosage and minimize contaminants or excessive glycyrrhizin.
- Limit licorice-containing candies and teas if you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns.
- Share any herbal supplement use with your healthcare provider to manage potential drug interactions.
- Embrace a balanced approach that honors tradition while staying informed by current research.
This journey of licorice highlights the value of blending age-old wisdom with scientific understanding. The story of ชะเอมเทศ continues to unfold through collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and health-minded individuals across Thailand.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal medicines or supplements, especially with chronic illness or concurrent medications.