Licorice root has been used for years as a sweetener in beverages and some candies – although some licorice candy gets its flavor from anise oil, which mimics the taste of licorice root. The plant's main use for centuries has been as a medicinal agent, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It has also shown promise in soothing gastrointestinal issues linked to food poisoning, stomach ulcers, and heartburn.
How Does Licorice Root Work?
Ancient Egyptians embraced licorice root, often using it in tea as a concoction that could seemingly cure many things. It eventually was imported to China, where it became an herbal mainstay in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Licorice's key component in terms of medical treatment has been identified as glycyrrhizin acid, which has been shown in studies, per healthline.com, to be effective in suppressing the effects of H. pylori, a toxic form of bacteria, by thwarting its growth in the gut. Most licorice root is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia, per National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the licorice itself is harvested from the plant's roots and underground stems. As a supplement, licorice is available in a variety of forms, to include herbal teas, candies, capsules containing the herb in a dried state, and as a liquid extract. All told, licorice root contains more than 300 different compounds, per medicalnewstoday.com, some of which possess antiviral and antimicrobial characteristics, further explaining its versatility for medicinal treatments.Licorice Root's Health Benefits
Despite licorice root's long history of medical use, it is advisable for you to consult with your physician before trying to use licorice for health-related purposes. Used in large amounts and/or for the long term, it has been linked to high blood pressure and low potassium levels, per NIH, which can lead to heart and muscle problems. Also pregnant women should avoid its use. With that in mind, here are some potential health benefits of licorice root when properly used, preferably under the guidance of a licensed health care professional:- Eczema. Licorice root missed with a skin-friendly compound such as aloe vera gel can help reduce or alleviate the unwanted skin conditions (itching, redness, scaling and inflammation) caused by eczema, a discomforting condition that affects more than 30 million Americans, per medicalnewstoday.com.
- Sore throat. Using licorice as a primary ingredient while steeping loose herbs in hot water can make a tea helpful in soothing a sore throat.
- Respiratory issues. Licorice taken in oral supplement form can stimulate the production of healthy mucus. That might sound undesirable, but the production of clean, healthy phlegm helps keep the respiratory system functioning properly by clearing away old, sticky mucus clogging its passages, per healthline.com.
- Decrease stress. Licorice root extract has been shown efficient in stimulating the adrenal gland, which in turn supports a healthy level of cortisol in the body. Excess production of cortisol caused by stress can weaken the adrenal gland.
- Hepatitis C. This is a virus that attacks the liver, causing inflammation and possible long-term liver damage. The glycyrrhizin contained in licorice root has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that could be helpful in treating hepatitis C. Laboratory studies in Japan, per medicalnewstoday.com, support that premise.
- Stomach discomfort/ulcers. A double-blind study of licorice root extract, containing the flavonoids glabridin and glabrene, were shown capable of relieving stomach discomfort, reducing nausea, stomach pain, and heartburn.
- Tooth decay. Research cited at medicalnewstoday.com indicates that licorice can help kill mouth bacteria linked to tooth decay.