Science-Backed Benefits of Licorice Root
Licorice Root is a herbal root from the licorice tree. It has been in existent since ancient times and has been used for medicinal purposes ever since then. Up till today, most people use licorice root to treat various health conditions, ranging from bronchitis, constipation, eczema, menstrual cramps, and stomach ulcers.
Due to its sweet taste, licorice roots are sometimes used as sweeteners to improve the taste of processed foods and drugs. Some candies are sweetened with licorice.
As many as the health benefits are, licorice can have adverse effects on the health if you consume it in large amounts or for a long period of time. According to research, some of the side effects of the prolonged or excessive consumption of licorice include reduced potassium levels that can affect the heart, underdevelopment of fetus (when it is used by pregnant women), serious drug interactions, and other side effects that will be identified in the latter part of this article.
One of the most active compounds found in licorice root is glycyrrhizin. This compound is responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties of licorice root. This ancient herb is now present in pharmacies and stores as supplements. Asides from its soothing effects on the skin, it also helps in the prevention of viral and bacterial infections.
Licorice root is healthy and has a sweet taste. Thus, you should be thinking of adding it to the list of your herbs.
Health Benefits of Licorice Root
Can Improve Skin Conditions
Licorice is packed with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial compounds that can improve skin conditions, especially acne and eczema. According to research, people who use ointments made from licorice may not experience acne or eczema. A recent study showed that adults below the age of 60 years old who had eczema and used licorice ointment for up to two weeks experienced an improvement in the condition of their skin. It has also been confirmed to be effective in the prevention and treatment of acne.
May Cure Stomach Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are caused by a bacteria known as helicobacter pylori, and some flavonoids like glabrene and glabredin found in licorice have been discovered to not only prevent the bacteria from affecting the stomach but also kill the bacteria if there are any present. Studies carried out on 100 people showed that licorice showed promising results in the elimination of the helicobacter pylori bacteria. In addition, these compounds are also effective in the relief of stomach discomfort, heartburn, and nausea. This means licorice herb does not only treat stomach ulcers, but it also tackles other stomach and gut conditions, thereby improving your stomach and gut health.
Improves Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory condition, and one of its effects on health is severe inflammation of the airways. Licorice has properties that can slow down the progression of this respiratory condition, especially in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. It does this by protecting your lungs and the bronchi that lead to them, thereby improving your condition. Although, because this health condition is chronic, you might need to visit the hospital for proper medication, as licorice alone might not stop or cure the condition. It can only improve it by slowing down the rate at which it causes havoc in your body. Make a tea out of licorice roots and watch it improve your breathing while boosting the quality of your life.
Improves Digestion
Indigestion comes with severe discomfort. It makes both adults and children feel sick and nauseated. Although there are various drugs that can aid digestion, however, opting in for natural remedies will speed up the recovery procedure and leave you with no side effects at all if you use them wisely. Licorice root is a perfect home remedy for indigestion. Although more research is needed to confirm this. However, in recent times, licorice has shown promising results in aiding digestion. People who had indigestion caused by different factors experienced significant improvement after 3 days of taking licorice herb. Licorice’s ability to improve digestion is courtesy of its glycyrrhizin content.
Eases Menopausal Symptoms
Menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, aggression, bone loss, among others. These symptoms leave most women frustrated, thereby leading them to buy drugs that can improve their symptoms. However, as much as those drugs relieve the symptoms and make them feel a lot better, they also expose them to risks of developing different kinds of cancers like ovarian, breast, or uterine cancer.
Licorice, on the other hand, is a natural herb that can improve these symptoms with lesser side effects. While you use licorice for your menopausal symptoms, on the one hand, it will also improve your other health conditions and also improve the quality of your life in the process. Are you in need of a natural remedy for your frustrating menopausal symptoms? Licorice is a perfect choice for you.
It Can Be Used Alongside Cancer Treatments
Cancer is one of the leading 10 causes of death in the world. Although there has been no specific cure for cancer, there are few management procedures that can shrink the cancerous cells and inhibit the growth of those cells. Research has shown that licorice herb can aid cancer treatment and management. According to medical experts, licorice can help in the treatment of prostate and breast cancers. It is important to note that licorice cannot single-handedly treat cancer. It can only assist other cancer medications. However, consulting your doctor first before using licorice for cancer is very important, as it will help you avoid drug interactions that might lead to complications.
Improves Dental Conditions
Dental conditions range from mild to severe. No matter how benign they are, they might want to embarrass you in public with any tiny smile. One of the most expected dental conditions that affect people today is cavities. It comes with a lot of discomfort and pain. Such that you might have to keep your mouth closed in public in the day and bear the excruciating pain of the teeth damage in the night. However, with licorice, cavities have no place. Licorice is packed with antibacterial properties that kill the bacteria that cause cavities.
Treats Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a severe liver condition. When it is left unaffected for a long time, it can progress into severe liver damage. Licorice can slow down the progression of hepatitis C. It protects the liver from damage through its glycyrrhizin content. Medical experts use glycyrrhizin injection as a treatment for chronic hepatitis C. It is usually the last resort of medication for hepatitis C patients who are not responding to other treatments.
Soothes Sore Throat
According to research, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds in licorice can help improve sore throat. In addition, if you are exposed to factors that can lead to sore throat, drinking licorice tea can help you prevent it. Ensure that you drink the tea with caution, as too much of it can lead to severe side effects.
Boosts the Immune System
When the immune system is weak and cannot fight off foreign bodies, signs and symptoms of infections, begin to surface. However, when your immune system is strengthened, it makes you feel healthy and strong. Licorice is a natural immune system boost, and it is one of the most active ingredients in most immune system boost supplements. Drink licorice tea in moderate quantities to avoid its side effects.
Side Effects of Licorice Root
When licorice herb is taken in large doses or over a long period of time, it can lead to severe side effects. Hence the emphasis on moderation. Some of the side effects of the prolonged and excessive usage of licorice herb include;
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Low potassium levels
- Muscle weakness
- Licorice has also been discovered to be dangerous for pregnant women, as it can tamper with the development of their babies.
- Drug interaction is also a side effect of licorice herb. This is why it should be used cautiously and under the supervision and advice of a professional herbalist.
Conclusion
Licorice is a natural herbal remedy for several health conditions. It has been in use for decades and is still effective today. As numerous as its health benefits are, it has side effects that can be dangerous for your health. In other words, the herb should be used with caution or under the supervision of experts. It should also be completely avoided if you are pregnant.
