In this presentation, Dr. SHIVA Ayyadurai, MIT PhD, Inventor of Email and Independent Candidate for President of the United States, explores the powerful benefits of the herb Licorice on Lung Health. Using a Systems Health® approach and the CytoSolve® technology platform, he provides a scientific and holistic analysis of how Licorice supports Lung Health.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Licorice is multi-compound medicine – with 400+ molecules (glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids) that act together.
   
2. Supports lung health on 3 fronts – anti-inflammatory (NF-κB), anti-asthmatic (IL-17/RORγt), and anti-fibrotic (TGF-β).
   
3. Validated by systems biology (Cytosolve®) – maps pathways and shows how licorice compounds work synergistically.
   
4. Clinical evidence exists – asthma relief, fat reduction, skin healing, immune boosting — with defined doses.
   
5. Safe when used properly – but overuse may cause hypertension, edema, and potassium imbalance.

The Systems View of Lung Health

The Global Burden of Respiratory Disease

When we think of human health, the lungs often don’t receive the same attention as the heart or brain. Yet every single breath we take is a reminder that life depends on this delicate organ system. The lungs are our interface with the environment—processing about 11,000 liters of air every day and filtering out oxygen that powers every cell in the body.

And yet, despite this vital role, lung health is under siege. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), respiratory diseases affect over 7.4% of the global population. That translates to nearly 600 million people worldwide suffering from conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or recurrent infections. Even more striking, respiratory diseases rank among the top three causes of death globally.

The rise in lung disease isn’t accidental. Factors like air pollution, smoking, industrial exposure, urbanization, climate change, viral pandemics, and poor lifestyle habits all contribute to compromised lung function. In developing nations, biomass fuels and workplace exposures worsen the problem; in wealthier countries, smoking, vaping, and air pollution dominate.

Respiratory illness is not just a matter of coughs and wheezes—it is a major economic and social burden. For example:

• Asthma costs the U.S. economy $81.9 billion annually in medical costs, lost work productivity, and premature deaths.
• COPD, which affects over 300 million people worldwide, is projected to become the third leading cause of death by 2030.
• Pulmonary fibrosis, while less common, remains progressive and incurable, reducing life expectancy dramatically.
  

So when we talk about lung health, we’re not simply talking about preventing a cold or a cough. We’re talking about an urgent public health crisis that silently shortens lives and diminishes quality of life across the globe.

The Anatomy and Physiology of the Lungs

To appreciate why lungs are so vulnerable—and why compounds like licorice may help—it’s worth revisiting how lungs work.

The lungs are spongy, cone-shaped organs that sit in the chest cavity, surrounded by the rib cage. Each lung contains branching airways that look like an inverted tree:

• The trachea (windpipe) splits into two bronchi (one for each lung).
  
• These bronchi further branch into bronchioles, ending in alveoli, tiny sacs where the magic happens.
  

Each human lung has about 300 million alveoli. Spread out, their surface area equals roughly a tennis court. These alveoli are lined with delicate membranes only one cell thick, allowing oxygen to diffuse into blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse out.

The process of breathing is beautifully simple yet incredibly complex:

1. Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts → lungs expand → air flows in.
   
2. Gas Exchange: Oxygen enters red blood cells via alveoli; carbon dioxide leaves.
   
3. Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes → lungs recoil → carbon dioxide exits.
   

The entire cycle takes only a few seconds but repeats 20,000 times a day.

The lungs are also equipped with defense systems:

• Cilia (tiny hair-like projections) sweep away dust, pathogens, and toxins.
  
• Mucus traps harmful particles.
• Immune cells like macrophages patrol the alveoli.
  

Despite these defenses, lungs remain vulnerable because they are in direct contact with the external environment. Unlike the stomach, which has strong acid to kill microbes, or the skin, which has a thick protective barrier, the lungs rely on delicate, thin membranes to perform gas exchange. This makes them an easy target for pathogens, pollutants, and toxins.

The Inflammation ↔ Lung Disease Vicious Cycle

Most chronic lung diseases share a common denominator: inflammation.

When pollutants, viruses, bacteria, or allergens enter the airways, the body responds by activating pattern recognition receptors like Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on lung epithelial cells. These receptors detect the intruders and trigger a cascade:

• NF-κB signaling is activated → pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8) are released.
• Immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages rush in.
• Fibroblasts may be activated to produce scar tissue.
  

In the short term, this is protective—it clears infections and repairs tissue. But when the process is chronic or dysregulated, inflammation itself becomes destructive.

This is the vicious cycle:

1. Trigger (pollutant, pathogen, irritant) →
   
2. Inflammation (cytokines, immune cells) →
   
3. Tissue injury (epithelial damage, fibrosis) →
   
4. Reduced lung function →
   
5. More vulnerability to new triggers.
   

Over time, this cycle leads to chronic airway disease—asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis.

For example:

• In asthma, excess IL-17 and eosinophils cause airway hyper-responsiveness.
  
• In COPD, chronic inflammation leads to irreversible alveolar destruction (emphysema).
  
• In pulmonary fibrosis, fibroblasts transform into myofibroblasts, laying down scar tissue that stiffens the lungs.

Why Conventional Medicine Falls Short

Modern medicine offers powerful interventions for lung disease:

• Inhalers (bronchodilators, corticosteroids) reduce symptoms.
  
• Biologic drugs (monoclonal antibodies) target specific immune pathways.
  
• Oxygen therapy helps in advanced COPD.
  
• Surgery or lung transplant offers last-resort options.
  

While these approaches save lives, they suffer from three major limitations:

1. Reductionist targeting
   
   • Drugs usually focus on one molecule or pathway (e.g., blocking IL-5 in asthma).
     
   • But lung disease is a multi-pathway systems problem. Blocking one pathway often leaves others unchecked.
     
2. Side effects and resistance
   
   • Long-term corticosteroid use causes bone thinning, weight gain, and immune suppression.
     
   • Antibiotics lead to resistance.
     
   • Biologics are expensive and not effective for all patients.
     
3. Failure to address root causes
   
   • Most drugs manage symptoms, not underlying triggers like diet, environment, or systemic inflammation.
     
   • Patients remain dependent on lifelong medication without true resolution.
     

This is why despite billions spent on pharma research, we still lack curative therapies for asthma, COPD, or fibrosis.

 Food-as-Medicine: A Missing Piece

For thousands of years, civilizations turned to plants and herbs to support lung function. These remedies weren’t magic—they were based on observation and experience. Licorice, peppermint, oregano, and mullein were all used as cough remedies long before antibiotics or steroids existed.

Modern science now confirms that plants are molecular toolkits. Unlike a synthetic drug that delivers one active ingredient, plants deliver hundreds of synergistic molecules. These compounds often:

• Reduce inflammation
  
• Fight microbes
  
• Support tissue repair
  
• Regulate immune balance
  

In the case of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), its glycyrrhizin and licochalcones can dampen NF-κB activation, reduce cytokine storms, and even block fibrosis signaling.

The beauty of food-as-medicine lies in its systems-level action: multiple molecules working together to restore balance.

 Systems Science: The Bridge Between Ancient Wisdom and Modern Medicine

This is where systems thinking comes in.

As Dr. Shiva emphasizes, health cannot be understood by reductionism alone. The body is a dynamic system—interconnected pathways constantly interacting. If we only tweak one knob, we may miss the bigger picture.

Systems science offers:

• Mapping complexity → showing how lung inflammation, fibrosis, and immune balance are interconnected.
  
• Identifying leverage points → where small interventions (like blocking NF-κB) can shift the whole system.
  
• Combining interventions → testing how multiple herbs (like licorice + peppermint + turmeric) may work synergistically.
  

By applying systems biology tools like Cytosolve®, we can evaluate thousands of studies and simulate how plant compounds interact inside the body. This is the modern bridge between ancient herbal wisdom and cutting-edge computational biology.

Journey to systems

So that’s the VASHIVA Truth Freedom Health movement. And I’ll come back to that. But the foundation of that is really a Systems Approach. So when we look at something like Astragalus, we want to take a Systems Approach to looking at it. The scientific approach of reductionism–where you just look at one little piece of something–is a way that, in many ways, you can fool yourself or those in power can take advantage of you in anything–be it science, be it understanding politics, be it having an argument. When you take an interconnected Systems approach, you get a much better view closer to the truth. So as people are coming in, let me just, I have a new video that I put together that really encourages people to, you know, sort of share my personal Journey to Systems, and you can look at it how your own life has gone. So let me just share this with everyone.

Licorice – From Ancient Root to Modern Medicine

Botanical Identity and Geography

Licorice, known scientifically as Glycyrrhiza glabra, belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family. Despite its sweet taste, it is not related to sugarcane or stevia but to beans and peas. The name “Glycyrrhiza” itself comes from Greek: glykys (sweet) and rhiza (root). Indeed, its root contains compounds that are 50 times sweeter than sugar, yet with medicinal properties that extend far beyond taste.

The plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall, with pinnate leaves and pale purple-blue flowers. Its rhizomes and roots are the prized parts, harvested after 3–4 years of growth.

Geographically, licorice is native to:

• Eurasia – particularly the Mediterranean region
  
• Northern Africa – including Egypt
  
• Western and Central Asia – Iran, Iraq, India, and beyond
  

Its adaptability allowed it to travel along trade routes such as the Silk Road, where it was exchanged not only as a sweetener but as a medicine prized for coughs, digestion, and vitality.

 Licorice in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome

Licorice’s medicinal history dates back over 4,000 years.

• Egypt: Excavations of King Tutankhamun’s tomb (1350 BCE) revealed bundles of licorice root buried with him, likely for use in the afterlife. Ancient Egyptian healers prepared licorice drinks known as Mai Sus, a fermented sweet beverage used to treat coughs, lung ailments, and fatigue.
  
• Greece: The father of medicine, Hippocrates (460–370 BCE), recommended licorice for treating ulcers, cough, and dropsy (fluid retention). His student Dioscorides, in the famous De Materia Medica (1st century CE), documented licorice’s benefits for the stomach, intestines, and respiratory tract.
  
• Rome: Roman soldiers reportedly carried licorice root to sustain them during long marches, as it was believed to quench thirst and improve stamina. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder also described its use for soothing the throat and easing coughs.
  

Thus, in Mediterranean medicine, licorice was more than a herb—it was a strategic tool for survival, health, and endurance.

 Licorice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In China, licorice (Gan Cao) holds a revered place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For more than 2,000 years, it has been considered a “harmonizer herb”, meaning it enhances the effects of other ingredients while reducing toxicity.

Key roles in TCM include:

• Balancing the “Qi” (life force) and nourishing the Spleen and Stomach meridians.
  
• Used in respiratory conditions like cough, bronchitis, and asthma.
  
• Combined in formulas to harmonize blends and moderate harsh herbs.
  

A classical preparation, Gan Cao Tang, included licorice tea for sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath. Beyond the lungs, it was used for acne, eczema, and even neurological disorders.

Today, licorice is still among the most frequently used herbs in TCM, present in more than 50% of classical prescriptions. Its harmonizing property makes it a universal “bridge” herb.

Licorice in Ayurveda

In India, licorice is known as Mulethi (or Yashtimadhu in Sanskrit), meaning “sweet stick.” Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita describe it as:

• A Rasayana (rejuvenator) – promoting vitality and longevity.
  
• An expectorant and demulcent – soothing the throat and easing cough.
  
• A digestive aid – calming gastritis and ulcers.
  
• A tonic for balancing Vata and Pitta doshas, while nourishing Kapha when depleted.
  

Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe Mulethi tea with honey for asthma, bronchitis, and sore throats. It is also a popular ingredient in herbal smoking alternatives and in formulations to improve vocal clarity (favored by singers).

The Ayurvedic approach frames licorice not as an isolated medicine but as part of a personalized regimen—the “right herb for the right constitution.”

 Folk Remedies and Everyday Use

Beyond formal medical systems, licorice entered everyday life as a household remedy:

• Europe: Licorice candies and syrups were popular cough remedies. In Britain, licorice extract from Pontefract, England, became a staple throat soother.
  
• Middle East: Traditional Sus drink remains a Ramadan favorite for soothing the throat during fasting.
  
• India: Mulethi tea with ginger and tulsi remains a go-to for colds and flu.
  
• Japan: Licorice is a key ingredient in Kampo medicine, used for hepatitis and lung conditions.
  

Even in the modern candy industry, licorice extract was originally valued more for its medicinal throat-soothing properties than its sweetness.

Transition to Modern Phytomedicine

As Western medicine evolved, licorice transitioned from folklore into scientific study. By the late 19th and 20th centuries, researchers began isolating its active compounds—most famously glycyrrhizin, a saponin glycoside responsible for its sweetness and many biological effects.

Modern science confirmed licorice’s:

• Anti-inflammatory effects (blocking NF-κB and cytokine release).
  
• Antiviral effects (notably against hepatitis and influenza viruses).
  
• Anti-ulcer properties (protecting the stomach lining).
  
• Respiratory benefits (bronchodilation, mucous regulation, immune modulation).
  

Today, licorice root is recognized both in herbal pharmacopoeias and clinical research. It is included in dietary supplements, teas, lozenges, and pharmaceutical preparations. In Germany, for example, it is an official component of the Commission E Monographs—a respected guide to herbal medicines.

The Molecular Treasure Chest of Licorice

Overview: A Plant Packed with Molecules

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is not just a sweet root — it is a phytochemical goldmine. Modern phytochemistry has identified over 400 compounds in licorice, spanning:

• Minerals (essential micronutrients)
  
• Vitamins (B-complex)
  
• Fatty acids (essential lipids)
  
• Flavonoids, saponins, and coumarins (bioactive molecules with medicinal effects)
  

What makes licorice extraordinary is not one “magic bullet” molecule, but its synergistic complexity. Each compound contributes to its effects, but together they create a systems-level impact on inflammation, immunity, and tissue repair.

Essential Minerals (9)

Licorice root provides nine essential minerals critical for both general health and lung function:

1. Calcium (Ca) – strengthens lung tissue elasticity; supports muscle contraction in breathing.
   
2. Iron (Fe) – vital for hemoglobin; ensures oxygen is carried efficiently from lungs to tissues.
   
3. Magnesium (Mg) – relaxes bronchial muscles; prevents airway spasms in asthma.
   
4. Phosphorus (P) – essential for energy metabolism; supports cell membranes in lung epithelial cells.
   
5. Potassium (K) – maintains electrolyte balance; counteracts sodium retention (important because glycyrrhizin may increase sodium).
   
6. Sodium (Na) – regulates fluid balance, though excess from glycyrrhizin may need monitoring.
   
7. Zinc (Zn) – boosts immune defense; reduces viral replication in respiratory infections.
   
8. Copper (Cu) – supports antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase) protecting lung cells.
   
9. Selenium (Se) – critical for glutathione peroxidase; reduces oxidative stress in lungs.
   

These minerals explain why licorice not only soothes lungs but also strengthens systemic resilience.

 B-Complex Vitamins (4)

Licorice contributes four B vitamins that play subtle but important roles:

1. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – supports nerve signaling to respiratory muscles.
   
2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – cofactor for antioxidant enzymes, protecting lung tissue.
   
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – improves circulation, supports anti-inflammatory pathways.
   
4. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis; supports immune regulation.
   

These vitamins work in tandem with licorice’s bioactives to support both cellular energy and immune balance.

 Fatty Acids (10 Identified)

Licorice also contains a lipid profile that contributes to cell membrane stability and signaling:

• Oleic acid – anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fat.
  
• Linoleic acid (omega-6) – precursor for signaling molecules; modulates inflammation.
  
• α-Linolenic acid (omega-3) – reduces pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
  
• Palmitic acid – energy source; structural role in membranes.
  
• Lignoceric acid – supports lung surfactant layers.
  
• Caproic, Behenic, Myristic, Margaric acids – minor fatty acids with roles in metabolism and membrane dynamics.
  

In lung health, fatty acids are crucial because the alveoli are lined with surfactant, a lipid-rich layer that prevents collapse during exhalation. Licorice fatty acids may help maintain this protective layer.

22 Key Bioactive Compounds

While minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids support baseline health, the true pharmacological power of licorice lies in its bioactives. Out of 400+ molecules, at least 22 stand out as key players.

1. Glycyrrhizin

• Sweet saponin glycoside (50x sweeter than sugar).
  
• Anti-inflammatory: blocks NF-κB and cytokine storms.
  
• Antiviral: shown to inhibit SARS, influenza, hepatitis viruses.
  
• Protects against lung injury by reducing oxidative stress.
  

2. Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA)

• Aglycone metabolite of glycyrrhizin.
  
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity.
  
• Potent inhibitor of HMGB1, a danger signal molecule in lung injury.
  

3. Glabridin

• Isoflavan with antioxidant properties.
  
• Protects vascular endothelium; may improve circulation in lung tissue.
  

4. Liquiritigenin

• Flavanone with estrogen-like activity.
  
• Anti-inflammatory: reduces TNF-α, IL-6.
  
• Neuroprotective and calming — indirectly aids breathing.
  

5. Licochalcone A, B, C

• Chalcone flavonoids.
  
• Licochalcone B: specifically shown to inhibit NF-κB in lung macrophages.
  
• Anti-cancer and antimicrobial effects.
  

6. Glabrocoumarin

• Coumarin derivative.
  
• Anti-coagulant effect; helps improve blood flow in lungs.
  

7. Hispaglabidin B

• Rare isoflavonoid.
  
• Strong antioxidant; reduces ROS in airway cells.
  

8. Glycyglabrones

• Flavonoid group with anti-inflammatory actions.
  

Other notable compounds:

• Quercetin – widely known antioxidant, reduces airway inflammation.
  
• Formononetin, Isoliquiritigenin, Licoisoflavone – estrogenic and anti-inflammatory activity.
  

Together, these molecules act as a polypharmacological network: each hitting different molecular targets, yet working synergistically to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and infection.

Structure–Function Relationships

What’s remarkable is how licorice compounds interact with specific lung-related pathways:

• Saponins (glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid) → suppress NF-κB & TLR4 signaling → reduce cytokine storm in acute lung injury.
  
• Flavonoids (glabridin, liquiritigenin, licochalcones) → neutralize ROS → protect lung epithelial cells.
  
• Coumarins (glabrocoumarin) → improve microcirculation in pulmonary vessels.
  
• Phytoestrogens (liquiritigenin, formononetin) → modulate immune balance & reduce airway hyper-responsiveness.
  

Instead of acting on one pathway like a pharmaceutical drug, licorice compounds cover multiple targets simultaneously.

This multi-target “network pharmacology” explains why licorice has persisted for millennia as a lung tonic and why it continues to attract modern research.

Cytosolve® and the Systems-Biology Revolution

 Dr. Shiva’s Background in Systems Science

To understand Cytosolve®, we first need to understand the man behind it.
Dr. V.A. Shiva Ayyadurai, an MIT-trained systems scientist, spent decades working at the intersection of engineering, biology, and computation. His training in electrical systems and complex modeling helped him see the human body not just as a collection of organs, but as an interconnected system of dynamic networks.

He realized that modern medicine largely follows a reductionist model:

• One disease → one pathway → one drug.
  But real biology is far more complex. Diseases like asthma or COPD don’t result from a single molecular glitch—they arise from hundreds of interacting pathways involving immune cells, cytokines, and tissue remodeling.
  

This insight led to the development of Cytosolve®, a computational platform designed to model and simulate these biological interactions at scale.

 The Cytosolve® Process Step by Step

Cytosolve® is not just a database—it’s a pipeline for systems biology research. The process has several stages:

1. Literature Review & Pathway Mapping

• The team reviews all published scientific papers related to the disease or system in question.
  
• Each molecular mechanism is mapped: which proteins interact, which cytokines are released, which signaling pathways are activated.
  
• This results in a systems architecture diagram of the disease (e.g., lung inflammation).
  

2. Mathematical Modeling

• Each interaction is converted into mathematical equations (rate equations, differential equations).
  
• These equations capture how molecules behave over time—how much cytokine is produced, how fast oxidative stress builds up, etc.
  

3. Combination Screening

• Once the model is built, Cytosolve® can “test” how different compounds (like glycyrrhizin, licochalcone B, glabridin) interact within that system.
  
• Instead of testing one molecule at a time (as pharma does), Cytosolve® can run millions of simulations to see which combinations work best.
  

4. Publication & Patenting

• Results are published for transparency.
  
• Promising combinations may be patented, ensuring open-science recognition.
  

5. Formulation & Validation

• If a combination shows strong synergy, it can be turned into a natural product formulation.
  
• Clinical validation may follow, confirming efficacy in humans.
  

 Case Study: mV-25™ for Osteoarthritis

One of Cytosolve’s flagship successes is mV-25™, a formulation developed for osteoarthritis.

• Step 1: The team mapped out all molecular pathways involved in osteoarthritis (inflammation, cartilage breakdown, oxidative stress).
  
• Step 2: They modeled these pathways mathematically.
  
• Step 3: They screened natural compounds from foods and herbs.
  
• Step 4: They discovered a synergistic pair of compounds that reduced pain and inflammation across multiple pathways.
  
• Step 5: They patented it and produced a consumer product, now available as a supplement.
  

This was achieved without animal testing, without pharma funding, and entirely through a systems-biology approach.

MV-25™ is proof that the Cytosolve® method works—and that it can deliver real-world, validated products that compete with conventional drugs.

Applying Cytosolve® to Lung Health and Licorice

With lung disease, the challenge is even more complex than osteoarthritis. The lung system involves:

• Airway epithelial cells
  
• Immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils)
  
• Fibroblasts (responsible for scarring)
  
• Cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17
  
• Signaling pathways like NF-κB, RORγt, and TGF-β
  

Cytosolve’s approach is to map all these pathways, then “drop in” compounds from licorice and other herbs to simulate their effects.

For example:

• Licochalcone B is tested in the NF-κB pathway → simulation shows reduced TNF-α and IL-1β.
  
• Glycyrrhizin is modeled in TLR4 signaling → simulation shows decreased inflammatory signaling.
  
• Liquiritigenin is placed into oxidative stress modules → simulation shows reduced ROS production.
  

Instead of guessing which compounds might help, Cytosolve® provides a quantitative, systems-level view of how licorice works.

Open-Science Approach: The AsthmaSolve Initiative

Cytosolve® is not just a research tool—it’s a movement.

Dr. Shiva has launched the Lung Health Initiative, with a specific spin-out called AsthmaSolve, focused on leveraging natural compounds like licorice to address asthma and chronic inflammation.

• Phase 1: Build systems architecture of lung disease (done).
  
• Phase 2: Publish findings and share with the public (ongoing).
  
• Phase 3: Run simulations with compounds like licorice, turmeric, peppermint, and others (in progress).
  
• Phase 4: Identify synergistic formulations.
  
• Phase 5: Patent and produce safe, natural formulations.
  

Unlike pharmaceutical development, this process is transparent, inclusive, and open to contributions. Anyone can support or participate through donations, open-science forums, or warrior-scholar training.

The goal is not a single “blockbuster drug,” but holistic, multi-compound solutions tailored to real human biology.

How Licorice Supports Lung Health (Mechanisms & Pathways)

Anti-Inflammatory Pathways

Inflammation is the root driver of nearly every chronic lung condition. When airways are irritated by pollutants, pathogens, or allergens, immune cells flood the lungs, releasing cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8). While short-term inflammation is protective, chronic inflammation destroys tissue, thickens airways, and reduces breathing capacity.

At the molecular level, much of this is orchestrated by NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) — the “master switch” for inflammation.

• Normal activation: Pathogens trigger Toll-like receptors (TLRs) → activate NF-κB → cytokines are released.
  
• Problem: In chronic lung disease, NF-κB stays locked in “on mode”, leading to continuous inflammation.
  

How licorice helps:

• Licochalcone B directly inhibits NF-κB activation in macrophages.
  
• Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid reduce expression of TNF-α and IL-1β.
  
• Liquiritigenin suppresses IL-6 production.
  

Result: Licorice dampens the inflammatory fire in the lungs, reducing swelling, mucus overproduction, and tissue damage.

 Example: In acute lung injury models, licorice compounds reduced cytokine storm damage by suppressing NF-κB activity.

 Anti-Asthmatic Pathways

Asthma is characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, driven by immune overreaction. One key culprit is IL-17, a cytokine produced when the transcription factor RORγt (Retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t) is activated.

• RORγt → IL-17 → eosinophil recruitment → airway narrowing & hyper-responsiveness.
  

In asthma, IL-17 levels remain elevated, keeping airways inflamed and hypersensitive.

How licorice helps:

• Licorice compounds inhibit RORγt, reducing IL-17 production.
  
• Lower IL-17 = fewer eosinophils = less airway obstruction.
  

 Result: Licorice restores airway balance, easing wheezing, breathlessness, and asthma attacks.

 Example: In animal models, licorice extract decreased eosinophil infiltration, reduced airway inflammation, and improved breathing function.

 Anti-Fibrotic Pathways

One of the most devastating lung conditions is pulmonary fibrosis — the gradual scarring and stiffening of lung tissue.

Fibrosis is driven by TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor beta), which stimulates fibroblasts to transform into myofibroblasts. These cells produce collagen and α-SMA, forming scar tissue.

• Normal repair: Fibroblasts help close wounds.
  
• Fibrosis: When overactivated, fibroblasts keep producing collagen, leading to irreversible scarring.
  

How licorice helps:

• Licorice bioactives block TGF-β signaling.
  
• Prevent fibroblast → myofibroblast transformation.
  
• Reduce collagen buildup and fibrosis progression.
  

 Result: Licorice slows scarring, preserving lung elasticity and breathing function.

 Example: In bleomycin-induced fibrosis models, licorice reduced collagen deposition and lowered α-SMA expression.

Comparisons with Pharmaceuticals

What’s striking is that licorice performs comparably to conventional drugs in some studies:

• Diclofenac (NSAID): Reduces swelling by ~74%. Licorice extract reduced swelling by 59–67%, and when combined with diclofenac, swelling reduction reached 76% — better than the drug alone.
  
• Famotidine (anti-ulcer drug): Reduced ulcer formation to 4.6 mm². Licorice extract reduced ulcers to 4.9 mm². Combined therapy dropped ulcer area to 2.0 mm² — showing synergy.
  

Implication: Licorice is not only effective on its own but can enhance drug action while lowering required doses.

Synergy with Other Lung-Protective Compounds

Licorice is part of a larger botanical network of lung-supporting herbs. Cytosolve® identified 18 natural compounds with evidence for respiratory benefits, including:

• Astragalus
  
• Black cumin
  
• Garlic
  
• Neem
  
• Peppermint
  
• Ivy
  
• Mullein
  
• Oregano
  
• Bayberry
  
• Turmeric
  
• Cardamom
  
• Eucalyptus
  
• Black pepper
  

The challenge is not proving that each herb has benefit but discovering how they work together.

Licorice’s unique role:

• Harmonizer herb → enhances other compounds (as seen in TCM).
  
• Provides both direct lung benefits and systemic balance.
  

Clinical Evidence, Dosage, and Safety

Research Base: 6,204 Studies and 246 Clinical Trials

Licorice isn’t an untested folk remedy. In fact, it’s one of the most extensively researched medicinal plants.

• Over the past 168 years, there have been 6,204 published studies on licorice.
  
• Of these, 246 are clinical trials directly involving humans.
  

This body of evidence covers:

• Respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis, COPD, fibrosis)
  
• Digestive disorders (ulcers, gastritis, liver disease)
  
• Skin conditions (eczema, dermatitis)
  
• Metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes)
  
• Immune modulation (viral infections, inflammation)
  

This broad research base makes licorice not just a traditional remedy but a scientifically validated medicinal agent.

Dosage Evidence from Clinical Studies

Unlike pharmaceuticals, licorice comes in many forms: teas, powders, extracts, capsules, gels, and even intravenous preparations in hospitals (notably in Japan). Dosage depends on the target condition.

1. Asthma and Respiratory Conditions

• Dose: 250–300 mg of licorice extract (20% glycyrrhizic acid), taken three times daily.
  
• Effect: Reduced asthma symptoms, improved lung function, and lowered airway inflammation.
  
• Mechanism: Suppresses IL-17 and NF-κB pathways.
  

 Implication: Licorice can be used as an adjunct therapy for asthma patients.

2. Obesity and Metabolism

• Study: A clinical trial with overweight adults.
  
• Dose: 3.5 g/day licorice root, taken for 2 months.
  
• Result: Significant reduction in body fat mass, especially visceral fat.
  
• Mechanism: Modulation of lipid metabolism and reduction of oxidative stress.
  

 Implication: Licorice may indirectly support lung health in obese patients, since obesity worsens asthma and COPD outcomes.

3. Skin Conditions (Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis)

• Study: Murray et al., 2020.
  
• Dose: Topical gel containing 2% glycyrrhetinic acid.
  
• Result: Reduced itching, redness, and irritation in atopic dermatitis patients.
  
• Mechanism: Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating action.
  

 4. Immune System Modulation

• Study: Intravenous administration (Japan, clinical hospital use).
  
• Dose: 200–800 mg/day glycyrrhizin IV.
  
• Result: Increased T-helper cells, improved immune resilience, antiviral activity.
  
• Application: Used for chronic hepatitis, viral infections, and immune imbalance.
  

Safety Concerns

Despite its many benefits, licorice is not risk-free. Like any bioactive medicine, it requires awareness and proper dosing.

 1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

• Glycyrrhizin can cause sodium retention and potassium loss.
  
• This leads to water retention, increased blood volume, and elevated blood pressure.
  

 People with hypertension should avoid excessive licorice.

 2. Edema (Fluid Retention)

• Sodium retention may cause swelling in the legs, ankles, and face.
  
• Usually occurs only with high or prolonged intake (>100 mg/day glycyrrhizin for weeks).
  

3. Hypokalemia (Low Potassium Levels)

• Excessive licorice lowers potassium, leading to muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeat.
  
• This effect mimics excess aldosterone (hormonal imbalance).
  

 4. Drug Interactions

Licorice may interact with certain medications:

• Diuretics → worsens potassium loss.
  
• Corticosteroids → amplifies effects, risk of imbalance.
  
• Blood pressure medications → may reduce effectiveness.
  
• Warfarin (blood thinner) → potential alteration in clotting.
  

 Recommendation: Always consult a physician before combining licorice with prescription drugs.

Personalization – “Right Medicine for the Right Person”

Licorice is not a universal cure. Whether it benefits or harms depends on the individual’s constitution, health status, and environment.

This is where Dr. Shiva’s Your Body, Your System framework is powerful:

• Vata types (light, airy, restless): Licorice stabilizes and calms.
  
• Pitta types (fiery, intense, inflamed): Licorice cools inflammation.
  
• Kapha types (heavy, sluggish, fluid-retentive): Licorice may worsen water retention if overused.

The Future of Licorice and Lung Health

The Cytosolve® Lung Health Initiative

The future of licorice in lung health isn’t just about isolated studies or folk wisdom — it’s about systematically organizing knowledge. That is exactly what the Cytosolve® Lung Health Initiative is doing.

• Phase 1: Mapping the entire lung health system — inflammation, fibrosis, immune regulation.
  
• Phase 2: Publishing data transparently for the public.
  
• Phase 3: Simulating natural compounds (like licorice, turmeric, oregano, astragalus) within these systems.
  
• Phase 4: Identifying synergistic formulations.
  
• Phase 5: Patent, formulation, and real-world application.
  

One of the most promising projects is AsthmaSolve — a spin-out formulation specifically designed to target asthma pathways using plant compounds. Licorice plays a central role here, thanks to its ability to block NF-κB, suppress IL-17, and inhibit TGF-β.

Unlike big pharma pipelines, Cytosolve’s approach is open-science, transparent, and inclusive. Anyone can participate — as a researcher, donor, or warrior-scholar.

 Fighting Fake Science and Pharma Bias

Why isn’t licorice already mainstream in lung medicine? Two reasons:

1. Pharma’s reductionism. Drug companies want single-molecule patents. Licorice contains hundreds of molecules — too complex to monopolize.
   
2. Fake science in academia. Many studies are biased, industry-funded, or buried if results don’t fit the profit model.
   

Licorice challenges this system because it proves that food as medicine works — and that multi-compound, multi-pathway solutions are viable. Supporting licorice research is part of a bigger fight: resisting the domination of big pharma, big government, and big academia over human health.

 Licorice as a Partner, Not a Silver Bullet

It’s important to remember: licorice is not a “cure-all.” Instead, it’s a partner in integrative strategies.

• For inflammation, licorice may complement NSAIDs or biologics.
  
• For asthma, it can work alongside inhalers, reducing required doses.
  
• For fibrosis, it may slow scarring while other interventions target oxygen delivery.
  

The future of medicine lies in combining the best of both worlds: modern pharmaceuticals for emergencies, and plant-based systems like licorice for long-term resilience and prevention.

 Personalized Medicine and Dosha Balance

One of licorice’s unique strengths is its role in personalized health.

Through the Your Body, Your System framework, we can understand:

• Vata types benefit from licorice’s grounding, stabilizing nature.
  
• Pitta types benefit from its cooling, anti-inflammatory effects.
  
• Kapha types must use it cautiously, as it may worsen water retention.
  

This personalization ensures that licorice is applied in the right person, at the right time, in the right way. The future isn’t about a universal prescription but about tailored health strategies.

Call to Action: Become a Warrior-Scholar

The future of licorice in lung health is not only about research — it’s about people taking back responsibility for their health.

Dr. Shiva’s Truth Freedom Health movement trains Warrior-Scholars who:

• Learn systems science.
  
• Educate others about food as medicine.
  
• Fight corruption in health, politics, and academia.
  
• Build local communities of resilience.
  

Licorice research is just one example of this broader vision — a vision where people are no longer dependent on top-down institutions but empowered by knowledge and systems thinking.

Conclusion: Licorice Bridges Ancient Wisdom and Modern Systems Biology

We have traveled a long journey:

• From ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and India, where licorice was revered as a lung tonic.
  
• To modern molecular science, identifying over 400 compounds and mapping their pathways.
  
• To clinical trials, showing real benefits for asthma, obesity, skin health, and immune support.
  
• To the Cytosolve® revolution, applying computational modeling to design synergistic formulations.
  

What emerges is clear: Licorice is not a myth. It is a scientifically validated, systems-level medicine for lung health.

But more importantly, licorice is a symbol. A symbol that ancient wisdom and modern science do not need to be at odds — they can reinforce each other. A symbol that real solutions come not from reductionism and profit-driven pharma, but from systems approaches that honor complexity.

If the 20th century was the age of “one drug for one disease,” the 21st century will be the age of food as medicine, validated by systems biology. Licorice will be at the forefront of this transformation.