Everyone associates the word ‘liquorice’ with lollies or candy, but in naturopathy, the root is more than sweet. A root of nature’s most versatile herb, liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been utilised for centuries to enhance energy, digestion, and stress relief.
It is called an adaptogen in modern naturopathic therapy — a natural agent that supports the body’s capacity to adapt to stress and restore balance. Used correctly, liquorice root is a powerful weapon for those constantly drained, anxious, or ‘burnt out’.
Glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, two bioactive compounds in liquorice root, regulate cortisol, the primary stress hormone of the body. During the day, liquorice can sustain mental acuity and energy by quietly modulating the adrenal response.
However due to its potency, it has to be applied with caution as well. Side effects that are not desired, such as differences in blood pressure or potassium levels, may be caused by incorrect dosage or prolonged administration. Hence, it is vital to understand its therapeutic range and individual appropriateness; students of the Bachelor of Naturopathy programme at Iconic Health Academy learn extensively these important clinical factors.
For instance, liquorice root might be appropriate for a person who is experiencing adrenal fatigue, but not for a person who is experiencing hypertension. Students are taught to tailor herbal prescriptions to individual patients through supervised coursework, real-life case studies, and professional support and guidance.
One of the school mentors at Iconic Health Academy comments that it’s as much a matter of knowing why, when, and how to take a herb as it is about knowing that it does work.
Beginning with Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and extending to European herbalism, liquorice root has been a part of traditional healing systems for millennia. To fill the gap between traditional healing and modern medicine, naturopathic practitioners today integrate that ancient knowledge with evidence-based science.
You learn more than just about herbs when you study naturopathy. Integrative care empowers you to change lives by teaching you how to think holistically, address underlying issues, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Unlike mainstream healthcare, naturopathic practice allows more time with clients, fostering deeper connections and personalised care.
If you’re interested in natural medicine and want to know how to use herbs such as liquorice root without harming yourself or others, the Bachelor of Naturopathy from Iconic Health Academy is the way forward.
With online study that fits around your lifestyle, professionally accredited training, and education led by experts, you can create a rewarding profession assisting others to regain balance — naturally.
Begin your naturopathy journey here and learn how evidence-based herbal medicine can assist others (and you) to flourish in body, mind, and spirit.
