Licorice is a perennial plant that produces blue flowers and is cultivated in different parts of the world nowadays.  Back then licorice was mainly grown in Europe. Also referred to as glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice has glycyrrhizin which is said to be the compound that is responsible for its healing properties. It is also called “sweet root” since its extract has a natural sweetener content. Licorice is believed to be an excellent source of iron and is composed of other beneficial compounds like phytochemicals, sodium, and magnesium. This so-called sweet root is an antiviral which has 10 antioxidants, 9 expectorant compounds, and a minimum of 25 fungicidal elements. These are the reasons why it is used to treat several kinds of illness – ranging from the very simple common colds up to one of the most serious illnesses, liver disease.

Known to have therapeutic properties and used for over a thousand of years now, below are some of the illnesses that are believed to be treated using licorice root.

1. Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers. Licorice has been long known to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers.  Flavonoids, one of the compounds identified in licorice, is a big help in treating the disease that commonly hits the digestive tract – ulcer. Through flavonoids, the bacterium that causes ulcer and other inflammations of the stomach, Helicobacter pylori, is killed. Licorice is an aid in stimulating the cell growth in the intestinal linings and the stomach. It also decreases the acid levels in the stomach, increases the stomach’s natural mucous lining, decreases the spasms in the muscles, and improves the flow of the blood to the tissues which were damaged. Make licorice tea out of licorice roots for the treatment of gastric disorders and for the proper stimulation of the bowels and kidneys. It is believed that licorice root is more effective compared to any antacids.

2. Herpes. A sexually transmitted disease, genital herpes, is commonly caused by HSV2 or herpes simplex virus type 2. However, it can also be caused by HSV1 or the herpes simplex virus type 1. This disease usually causes the appearance of cold sores in the mouth. Cold sores are treated through the anti-inflammatory characteristic of licorice. Other cases of genital herpes cause pain and blister in the genital area while no symptoms are visible in some cases; and because of this, the disease is unknowingly passed on. The glycyrrhitinic acid present in licorice is responsible for stimulating interferons which is an agent of the body fighting against virus. Licorice is also known to cause an inhibitory effect in vitro.  

3. Hepatitis. Licorice can be of help in the treatment of both acute and chronic hepatitis. Glycyrrhizin, a compound present in licorice, is said to be the one responsible for effectively treating patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Its anti-inflammatory properties are a big help in soothing hepatitis-related inflammations of the liver. Aside from simply fighting the viruses that are trying to attack the liver, the antioxidant compounds of this herb helps in the promotion and maintenance of the total health of the liver.

4. Bronchitis. Aside from being just an expectorant, licorice is also an anti-inflammatory. Because of this, it has the capability to treat lung infections such as bronchitis, asthma, and sore throat as well as persistent coughing. It soothes tissues in the mouth and throat which are inflamed. Glycyrrhizin helps in thinning the phlegm present in the respiratory tract. The health benefits of licorice in treating the mentioned respiratory illnesses have already been confirmed by modern research.

5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome is caused by too much stress that the body is no longer able to hold it in. Several illnesses accompany chronic fatigue syndrome one after the other, but the worst is, it can happen all at the same time. Stress is best combated by making sure that your adrenal glands are healthy and are functioning well. Licorice is a best remedy for you to be able to support your adrenal glands. One of its components, glycyrrhizin, assists in blocking the breakdown of cortisol, giving it the ability to raise the levels of cortisol in the body; hence, making it capable of fighting chronic fatigue syndrome and stress. Licorice aids in increasing your energy.  This, in turn, controls the chances of you getting stressed. It also reduces certain symptoms of diseases associated with cortisol levels.

6. Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious skin condition that interferes with the reproduction of skin cells, causing it to reproduce at a rapid pace, resulting in thickened skin with red and dry patches on it. There is also the appearance of skin scales and dry flakes commonly on the skin of the knees, elbow, and scalp. This skin condition is long-term and is considered to be non-curable. Having numerous anti-inflammatory compounds, licorice root is known to be beneficial to people who are having psoriasis. Licorice’s anti-inflammatory compounds aids in relieving flare-ups brought about by having psoriasis. However, licorice does not fully eliminate psoriasis. Instead, it only controls the appearance of skin scales and other symptoms of this skin condition.

7. Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Licorice, with its phytoestrogen compound, helps in balancing the estrogen levels in the body. The phytoestrogens have the same effects as that of mild estrogen which is the best defense against pre-menstrual syndrome and other discomforts caused by menstruation and menopausal. In addition, this sweet root can help ease the symptoms that accompanies pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal such as bloating, the swelling and tenderness of the breast, and irritability. The estrogen-like effect of this herb, produced by phytoestrogen, is able to override the inhibiting action that affects the body’s phytoestrogen.

Licorice might have a number of health benefits and may treat a number of illnesses, but this might also cause you certain diseases such as edema and hypertension when you are going to take too much of this. You should put in mind that you must not indulge in over-consumption of this “sweet root”. Consume this for medicinal purposes and under moderate amounts for it to work well and in order for it to attain its maximum capacity of treating your illness. In addition, this is not advisable for people who have kidney problems and hypertension.

Sources
naturalnews.com
nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com
nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com
homeremediesweb.com