Licorice Root and Fertility

Licorice root is not related to licorice candy. They are both sweet, but licorice candy in the United States contains anise instead, which does taste a lot like real licorice root. In Europe, they still use real licorice to flavor candy. But real licorice can be toxic in high amounts.

For medicinal purposes, the root of licorice is used. It contains glycyrrhizic acid and saponins that have a variety of medicinal uses. Glycyrrhizic acid is similar to aldosterone, which is made in our bodies by the adrenal cortex. It regulates fluid balance and sodium retention, and because of that, it has a big effect on blood pressure. Too much aldosterone causes high blood pressure. The drug spironolactone inhibits aldosterone and lowers blood pressure.

Licorice root is also weakly estrogenic due to phytoestrogens, and for that reason, it would be helpful for menopause symptoms. It also has saponins, which has a variety of actions depending on which saponin we're talking about. There are some studies underway to look at the effects of licorice in cancer. But since it is toxic at lower doses, they're still figuring out how much to use.

It is used in Japan in conjunction with other medications for chronic hepatitis because it is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.

It just doesn't seem to have much use in conception, though. Phytoestrogens are useful in menopause because of the fluctuating estrogen levels, which cause the menopause symptoms. But as weak estrogens, they have no role in conception.

It could be helpful for PMS if you're not trying to conceive. For that purpose, you could also use soy or flaxseed, and flaxseed is also a good source of fiber. None of those, though, help your fertility.

I read a few things that said licorice root could "balance" the hormones, but that is really only true for men, as licorice root can decrease testosterone. Phytoestrogens don't balance hormones--they act at the estrogen receptor and weakly stimulate it.

It does sound like licorice root is helpful for liver function, and that's always a good thing. Our livers detoxify our bodies, and a good herb for that is milk thistle, or the silymarin it contains. Considering that long-term use of licorice root can cause high blood pressure, I would choose silymarin over licorice.