Licorice Root Benefits
licorice root benefits are numerous. It affects our health and body positively. It is consumed in different industries as a natural sweetener and flavoring.
Licorice is a perennial herb which has been used since ancient times. Its use dates back to ancient Egyptians when it was given to Pharaoh in drinks. Licorice was also used in traditional Chinese medicine as an herbal remedy to digestive, skin and respiratory disorders. Licorice can be used in food, drinks, medicine, tobacco, cosmetics and etc.
Licorice is a natural sweetener and flavoring, so it is very popular in food, beverages and confectionary.
This herb is beneficial to health and our body if it is taken in proper quantities.
In this article we pay attention to licorice root benefits in our life.
Licorice Influence on Digestive Problems
licorice in various forms may be used to treat some digestive problems. Glycyrrhizin which is an active compound in licorice root helps to heal stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. It can be useful in treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Peptic ulcers are painful sores in intestine and stomach. They are caused by inflammation with bacteria. Licorice root and its glycyrrhizin are useful in treating peptic ulcers. Licorice due to some flavonoids like Glabridin and Glabrene, has positive effects on soothing stomach disorders such as stomach pain and heartburn.Acid reflux plays an important role in food digestion; but it can be annoying when it goes up the esophagus and causes pain and heartburn. Taking licorice controls acid reflux and prevents heartburn.pylori is the bacteria causing the inflammation that leads to peptic ulcers. the glycyrrhizin in licorice can heal the sores and H. pylori.
Licorice Root Benefits to Respiratory System
A few studies show that Glycyrrhizic, Asiatic and Oleanolic acids in licorice root can slow the progress of bronchitis.
Licorice root has been widely used to treat bronchial asthma for many years. One study on mice showed that glycyrrhizin can improve all established chronic histopathologic changes of lung.
Airway inflammation is a common problem in respiratory related diseases such as asthma. Licorice has some anti-inflammatory compounds that are helpful in treatment of these sicknesses.
Licorice and Skin Diseases
Based on Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co.’s surveys, licorice is useful for skin. It is really popular in skin care and cosmetic products. It may be found in cream, ointment, lotion, shampoo and other products. It removes skin redness and itching, dryness, swelling.
Eczema is one of the skin problems which is almost common among people. It causes swelling, itching and redness. Licorice has several anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antioxidant elements that protects our skin against harmful factors.
Due to licorice anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory features, it can improve eczema, psoriasis; it can help wounds heal faster. Licorice topical gels are claimed to treat skin conditions like acne or eczema.
Licorice Effects on Cancer
Based on several studies, it is shown that using licorice has positive effects on cancer. It can slow down the growth of cancer in body. It also helps ease the effects of chemotherapy treatment. As a result of this kind of treatment, some sores in patients’ mouth appear that they are painful and irritating. Taking licorice can ease this pain.
Licorice and Dental Health
Licorice has some benefits for our oral and dental health. It prevents cavity and tooth decay by fighting against special bacteria.
Some plants have been used for oral and dental health for a long period of time. Licorice is one of these plants. Since it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties, it is proper for dental diseases like: aphthous ulcers, gingivitis, dental caries, periodontitis.
Licorice in Drugs
Licorice as an herbal treatment was really prominent in traditional medicine in Asia like Iran, India, China and in Egypt as well. It was used in kidney, lung, liver, digestive and respiratory diseases.
Nowadays licorice is popular in medicine such as topical gel and ointment, cough syrup, capsule and tablets. It can be used after surgery to reduce the sore throat.
Licorice Influence on Menopause
one of the menopausal symptoms is the feeling of sudden warmth in women’s face, neck and chest. The skin becomes red and starts to sweat. This causes a kind of uncomfortable and annoying condition which women constantly complain about. Research on menopausal women indicates that licorice root positively affects reducing hot flushes.
Licorice and Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C causes inflammation and liver damage if it isn’t cured for a long time. Glycyrrhizin in licorice root fight against this disease and may be helpful in its treatment.
Licorice Impact on Stress
It is known that licorice reduces stress. It relieves adrenal glands by stimulating them which promotes the healthy level of cortisol in our body.
The Effect of Licorice on Infections
There are different kinds of bacterial and viral infections such as: short infection (like a common cold), chronic infection (it may last a longer time), latent infection (they are passive for a period of time until they become active). Chinese research has shown that licorice root at least has two elements that have antiviral effects called: GL and GA. They weaken virus activities like virus gene and its replication. This plant also contains flavonoids that treat bacterial infections.
Licorice and Sore Throat
In some surgeries a breathing tube should be put inside patients’ throats. After operation patients usually have a pain in their throats. Using licorice lozenges may soothe this pain. Licorice in the form of tea, lozenge, spray is very common to soothe sore throat.
Other Benefits of Licorice Root to Our Health
Licorice has also some other advantages:
- This plant can increase our body resistance and recovery from stress related reactions.
- Licorice is good for allergies
- It is useful for gum diseases.
- It can reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- It protects our liver.
- Licorice is effective in weight loss.
Licorice in Food and Drinks
Licorice grows in different regions like southern Europe, Greece, Turkey, Iran, China and some other parts. It is 50 times sweeter than sugar. So, it is a kind of natural sweetener which used in food, drinks, sweets and candies, pastilles, medicines and etc. it is also a flavoring that is popular in cooking and tobacco industry.
Licorice is used as a natural flavoring and it is found in various products such as candies and sweets, throat lozenges, tobacco, toothpaste and many other examples.
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