For centuries, the root of the licorice plant—known botanically as Glycyrrhiza glabra and called “ชะเอมเทศ” in Thai medicine—has occupied a cherished place in the pharmacopeias of cultures from the Mediterranean to Asia. Sweet in taste yet formidable in power, licorice is both celebrated in the annals of traditional Thai herbalism and increasingly scrutinized by modern science. Today, as Thai households continue to reach for ชะเอมเทศ in teas, herbal mixtures, and remedies for coughs or ulcers, the question arises: do the ancient beliefs stand up to the rigors of clinical evidence? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of licorice from folk healer to a subject of pharmaceutical research and discover how its traditional wisdom converges with cutting-edge science—and what that means for health-conscious Thai readers today.
Licorice root occupies a prominent role in Thai traditional medicine, where it is renowned not only for its sweet flavor but also for its reputed health-promoting effects. Thai practitioners have used the root and underground stem of ชะเอมเทศ as an expectorant, demulcent (soothing agent), and tonic, as well as in mixtures that support the respiratory and digestive systems. The cooling, moisturizing properties of licorice are believed to balance “excess heat” and dryness in the body, in harmony with holistic Thai and Chinese systems that emphasize internal equilibrium. Beyond its use in Thailand, licorice root has a prestigious heritage in traditional Chinese medicine—so much so that a common saying asserts, “nine out of ten formulas contain licorice,” highlighting its status as both a healing substance and a harmonizing agent in herbal combinations (Pharmaceutical Biology, J Ethnopharmacol).
The root’s allure lies in its sweet taste (glycyrrhizin, its signature compound, is about 50 times sweeter than sugar), which has made it a favorite not just as a medicine but as a flavoring for foods, drinks, and even traditional Thai desserts. At the same time, licorice’s reputation as a multipurpose healer is rooted in a wide range of traditional uses. In Thailand, ชะเอมเทศ was historically prescribed in remedies for sore throat, coughs, gastric ulcers, indigestion, and fevers; it was also mixed into formulas aimed at harmonizing potent herbs and reducing their harshness. Its ability to “moisten the lungs,” clear phlegm, relieve spasms, and soothe pain remains part of contemporary Thai herbal wisdom, where licorice is still found in household remedies and over-the-counter throat pastilles.
What exactly gives licorice such a celebrated role in global and Thai herbalism? The answer begins on the molecular level. Scientific analyses have identified over 300 active compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra, notably triterpenoid saponins (such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid), flavonoids (like isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin), and coumarins. Each plays a unique role in the body, and together they endow the root with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), and even immunomodulatory properties, supporting many of its traditional applications (Pharmaceutical Biology, Healthline).
A review of scientific literature reveals that both clinical trials and laboratory research have validated many traditional uses of licorice. For example, glycyrrhizin and its derivatives have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting key inflammatory mediators such as cytokines (TNF-α, interleukin-6) and enzymes involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins (which cause pain and swelling). In both animal and human studies, licorice extracts have been shown to attenuate the symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), supporting the classic use of ชะเอมเทศ as an expectorant and cough remedy (Pharmaceutical Biology, J Ethnopharmacol).
Licorice’s anti-ulcer effects are another area where modern science and tradition overlap. In a number of clinical investigations, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been shown to help heal gastric and oral ulcers, reducing pain and expediting recovery. The likely mechanism is the promotion of mucus production in the stomach and intestines, which provides a natural protective barrier against irritants such as gastric acid and Helicobacter pylori infections, a common culprit in peptic ulcers (Healthline). Recent research has explored licorice combinations as adjuncts to conventional medications for H. pylori, showing an improvement in eradication rates (Healthline).
The liver-protecting, or hepatoprotective, action of licorice also has both ancient and modern credibility. In Japan and China, licorice extract is included as a standard therapy for chronic hepatitis, and studies have demonstrated a reduction in serum liver enzyme levels, a sign of improved liver function, in patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Glycyrrhizin suppresses inflammatory cytokines and supports liver cell regeneration, helping to reduce the risk of progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer (Pharmaceutical Biology, J Ethnopharmacol). Some clinical studies also indicate a slowing of disease progression in hepatitis C patients who receive intravenous glycyrrhizin.
Licorice offers hope in the realm of cancer prevention and therapy, too. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that both glycyrrhizin and specific flavonoids from licorice can suppress tumor growth, induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, and reduce drug resistance in various cancers, including breast, colon, and liver cancer. Flavonoid-rich extracts, such as isoliquiritigenin and glabridin, are active against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are critical factors in the development and progression of cancer (Pharmaceutical Biology). However, while these effects are promising, large-scale human clinical trials are still needed before licorice can be considered a mainline cancer therapy.
Additionally, research has verified licorice’s antimicrobial activity against both bacteria (including Streptococcus mutans, a cause of dental caries) and certain viruses. In Thai traditional practice, this translates into its use in oral care, where ชะเอมเทศ is found in mouthwashes and pastilles designed to soothe sore throats and reduce dental plaque. Some studies indicate that licorice candies and lozenges can reduce cavity-causing bacteria in children, while flavonoids such as glabridin display mild UV-protective and depigmenting actions on the skin, making licorice a popular component in Thai and international skincare products (Pharmaceutical Biology, Healthline).
Nonetheless, the sweet power of licorice comes with important caveats. One of the best-established adverse effects, especially with regular or excessive consumption of licorice candies, teas, or supplements, is its impact on mineralocorticoid activity in the body. Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme (11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) involved in the metabolism of cortisol, a hormone that regulates salt and water balance. This can lead to sodium retention, potassium loss, high blood pressure, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or muscle weakness (Pharmaceutical Biology, Healthline). The European Union and international guidelines generally recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day—a quantity easily exceeded with large amounts of licorice candy or tea. In Thailand, as in other countries, people with pre-existing hypertension, kidney disease, or those who are pregnant should avoid licorice-containing products or only use them under medical supervision.
Another consideration for Thai readers is the variability in glycyrrhizin content among different preparations. Dried licorice root, herbal extracts, candies, and teas can have widely varying concentrations of the active compound—sometimes with product labels failing to indicate levels. Furthermore, interaction with prescription medications (such as diuretics, digitalis, or corticosteroids) can potentiate adverse effects, increasing the risk of hypokalemia or hypertension. Clinicians advise that herbal remedies containing licorice should not replace standard medical treatment for serious health conditions, and should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially for those with chronic diseases or on multiple medications.
Despite these safety concerns, the future of licorice in Thai and global health looks bright, as research continues to illuminate its mechanisms and refine its applications. Pharmaceutical developments have led to the production of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which removes glycyrrhizin, reducing the risk of side effects while preserving anti-ulcer and immune-modulating properties. In Thai herbal medicine, such advances may support ongoing integration of traditional remedies with safe modern practice, while Thailand’s robust herbal industry eyes licorice as a valuable crop for both domestic use and export.
From a cultural and historical lens, licorice serves as an exemplar of the rich herbal heritage bridging Thai, Chinese, and Western medicine. Its continued relevance is a testament to the wisdom and empirical observation of traditional healers, now strengthened by the evidence-based scrutiny of researchers and clinicians. In a world increasingly looking for natural, holistic solutions, ชะเอมเทศ remains a gentle, accessible remedy—one whose sweet taste and bitter science remind us of the importance of balance, caution, and consultation with qualified practitioners.
If you are interested in incorporating licorice root or ชะเอมเทศ into your wellness routines, consider these recommendations:
- Seek guidance from trained Thai traditional medicine practitioners before using herbal remedies, especially if you have chronic diseases, take medications, or are pregnant.
- Use only reputable, well-labeled herbal products to ensure consistent dosage and minimize the risk of contaminants or excessive glycyrrhizin content.
- Limit the consumption of licorice-flavored candies and teas, particularly if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions.
- Be aware of potential drug interactions and inform your healthcare provider about any herbal supplements you take.
- Value the synergy of tradition and science: embrace the holistic potential of Thai herbal remedies, while welcoming the contributions of modern research to ensure safe, effective use.
Ultimately, the scientific journey of licorice underscores the enduring value—and need for careful application—of Thailand’s rich plant-based medicine traditions. The legends of ชะเอมเทศ remain alive not just in story, but in the active collaboration of researchers, practitioners, and curious health seekers across the country.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal medicines or supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Key Sources:
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology (Pharmaceutical Biology)
- The anti-inflammatory activity of licorice, a widely used Chinese herb (Pharmaceutical Biology)
- A Review of the Pharmacological Efficacy and Safety of Licorice Root (PubMed)
- Licorice Root: Benefits, Uses, Precautions, and Dosage (Healthline)