Licorice has a sweet and delicious taste, which is why most people associate it with tasty candies. Yet licorice doesn’t just taste great. It has also been used to treat various ailments and health conditions for thousands of years. Licorice is the root of a legume plant called Glycyrrhiza glabra. Licorice extract is derived from the root via a process of boiling away the water. It is then sold in either liquid or solid form.
Relatively recent scientific studies have revealed that licorice actually contains ten different antioxidants. Licorice has antiviral properties and contains plant estrogens. It also contains expectorant and fungicidal compounds. Thus consuming a little bit of licorice on a regular basis can benefit your health in several different ways.
Liver Problems
The main active ingredient in licorice is glycyrrhizic acid. Glycyrrhizic acid reduces levels of an enzyme called transaminase in the liver. Transaminase associated with liver damage. Thus consuming licorice can help to reduce liver damage caused by hepatitis or cirrhosis. Licorice is considered by many health experts to be an excellent liver tonic because it helps to eliminate over one thousand known toxins.
Enhanced Immunity
Studies on animals indicate that licorice root can improve the health of your immune system. Licorice root increases levels of an antiviral agent called interferon. Interferon inhibits the reproduction of viruses. It also increases the action of other immune cells in the body. There is evidence to suggest that licorice root is an effective medicine for the treatment of cold sores and genital herpes.
A Great Expectorant
Research has proven that licorice is an effective expectorant. It helps to thin the mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract so that it is easier to eliminate. Because licorice is also a demulcent, it can help soothe inflamed tissues in the throat. Thus licorice root can help to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, bronchitis, nasal congestion, and allergies.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Licorice root is a great anti-inflammatory. Hence it has been used to treat stomach problems such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice also make it useful for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. It also helps to reduce redness and swelling.
PMS and Menopause
Licorice root contains phytoestrogens, which are basically plant estrogens. Licorice root can, therefore, be used to ease the unpleasant symptoms of menopause and PMS, both of which are associated with lower levels of estrogen.
Hypotension
A person who has hypotension suffers from unusually low blood pressure, which causes extreme fatigue and faintness. Eating a little bit of licorice candy on a regular basis is useful for a person with hypotension because it causes a significant increase in blood pressure. However, before you start eating licorice candy to treat low blood pressure, it is important to consult with your physician to make sure it is safe for you.
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Evidence suggests that licorice root may stimulate the adrenal glands so that they produce more cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Thus licorice is useful for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, both of which are associated with adrenal insufficiency.
Side Effects
While a little bit of licorice is undoubtedly a good thing, consuming too much of it can actually be dangerous. That’s why it is important to consult with your physician before you start using it. Because licorice can raise your blood pressure, you should not take it if you suffer from hypertension, kidney complaints or heart disease. Licorice root can also cause a condition called hypokalemia, which is basically a very low level of potassium in the body. Hypokalemia can cause arrhythmia and congestive heart failure. Never consume more than three grams of licorice root per day. Do not use licorice root if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you use licorice root, make sure you eat plenty of bananas and other potassium-rich foods.
