Health Benefits of Licorice Root

Health Benefits of Licorice Root

Licorice root, also known as sweet root, is used mostly as a sweetener in candies and beverages. People have also used licorice root for centuries for its medicinal benefits.The medical community is starting to be more accepting of the overall holistic benefits of licorice. However, it’s important to note medical research hasn’t proved some of these health benefits.is available in many forms, either containing glycyrrhizin or as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

 History of licorice root

The word "licorice" refers to the root of a plant called  Glycyrrhiza glabra. It's native to Europe and Asia. The plant is indeed classified as a weed in those areas.

The early Egyptians loved the licorice root. They used it in tea as a cure-all concoction. Licorice was later imported to China where it became an important herb in Chinese medicinal tradition.

Read about the health benefits of licorice root.

Soothes your stomach

Licorice root is used to soothe  gastrointestinal problems . In cases of  food poisoning ,  stomach ulcers , and  heartburn , licorice root extract can speed up the repair of stomach lining and restore balance. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of glycyrrhizic acid.

One  study  found that glycyrrhizic acid can suppress the toxic bacteria  H. pylori , and can prevent it from growing in the gut. There is also research that shows people who have  peptic ulcer  disease, heartburn, or  gastritis  had better symptoms when taking DGL.

DGL is a form of licorice and can be taken long-term if needed.

Cleanses your respiratory system

Licorice is recommended to treat respiratory problems. Taking licorice as an oral supplement can help the body produce healthy mucus. Increasing phlegm production may seem counterintuitive to a healthy bronchial system. However, the opposite is true. The production of clean, healthy phlegm keeps the respiratory system functioning without the old, sticky mucus clogging it.

Reduces stress

Over time, stress can leave the adrenal gland exhausted by the production of adrenaline and  cortisol . Licorice supplements can give the  adrenal gland  some relief. Licorice root extract can stimulate the adrenal gland, which promotes a healthy level of cortisol in the body. Read about 10 more simple ways to relieve stress.

Assists cancer treatment

Some studies say that licorice root can support the treatment of  breast  and  prostate  cancers. And some Chinese practices also incorporate it into cancer treatment. The FDA has yet to approve such treatments in the United States. But, research is ongoing, according to the American Cancer Society.

Protects your skin and teeth

Topical gels containing licorice are recommended for treating  eczema . Licorice can be a successful dermatological treatment due to its antibacterial properties. For that reason, holistic health practitioners often suggest applying licorice to  tooth decay  to kill bacteria.

Dosage and forms

Liquid extract

Licorice extract is the most commonly found form of licorice. It is used as a commercial sweetener in candies and beverages.

Licorice extract consumption by an individual should not exceed 30 mg / mL of glycyrrhizic acid. Ingesting more could cause  unwanted side effects .

Powder

Health food stores and online specialty retailers sell licorice powder. Combined with a gel base, it can become a topical ointment that clears the skin.

In its powder form, licorice is especially helpful in treating eczema and  acne . You can also pour the powder into vegetable capsules and ingest them orally.

The recommended dose of licorice root is less than 75 milligrams per day, according to the  World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines .

Tea

Licorice plant leaves, dried and crushed into a tea, have become popular. You can purchase these teas at supermarkets and health food stores.

Teas are used to promote digestive, respiratory, and adrenal gland health. When you see herbal teas for "bronchial wellness" and "cleanse and detox," they usually contain forms of licorice.

The popular throat remedy known as Throat Coat is a combination of marshmallow root, licorice root, and elm bar.

It is not recommended that people ingest more than 8 ounces of licorice tea per day.

DGL

DGL licorice with glycyrrhizin removed, which is a safer form. DGL should contain no more than 2 percent glycyrrhizin. This form is recommended for gastrointestinal symptoms as long-term dietary intake.

DGL is available in chewable tablets, capsules, tea, and powder. Consume no more than 5 grams of DGL per day.

Possible side effects

Too much licorice root extract can lead to low levels of  potassium  in the body, which causes muscle weakness. This condition is called  hypokalemia .

According to some  studies , subjects who ingested too much licorice root in a two-week period experienced fluid retention and metabolic abnormalities.

Consuming too much licorice can cause  high blood pressure , swelling, and  heartbeat irregularity . Many modern licorice-flavored products mimic the natural flavors of licorice, but some are still made with glycyrrhizic acid.

Children as young as 10 years old have been hospitalized because of hypertension after ingesting too much licorice.