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20 Jan 20 Incredible Benefits Of Licorice
The health benefits of licorice include relief from canker sores, stomach disorders, respiratory ailments, pre-menstrual syndrome, peptic ulcers, menopausal symptoms and it helps in fighting various kinds of infections such as herpes, hepatitis, and shingles.
It is also effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, tuberculosis, neurological disorders, female fertility, and obesity, while also helping to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. Licorice extracts contain phytoestrogens, which promote detoxification, healthy skin and hair, dental health, and immune defense. Furthermore, it helps to combat body odor and depression.
Licorice or licorice comes from the Glycyrrhiza plant species and is valued for its rich flavor. It derives its name from the Greek, glycyrrhiza which means ‘sweet root’. This herb is native to Southern Europe and Asia and is referred to as ‘sweet root’, attributing to a component called glycyrrhizin present in its root which is much sweeter than sugar. It has been appreciated in the traditional Chinese system of medicine for thousands of years and is referred to as “the peacemaker” herb. It is one of the most widely consumed herbs across the world and is currently grown in Russia, Spain, France, England, Germany, the Middle East and Asia.
What is Licorice?
Licorice is a woody-stemmed perennial herb that grows to about 1-2 meters. The long and wrinkled roots of licorice branch horizontally and spread out under the ground. Along with its use in food, it is also valued for its diverse medicinal benefits for providing longevity and vitality since ancient times.
Licorice Nutrition Facts
Licorice offers a wide range of beneficial nutrients and flavonoids. It is a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherol). It also provides minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, silicon and zinc. It is a storehouse of essential phytonutrients, including beta-carotene, glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin, thymol, phenol, ferulic acid, and quercetin.
Health Benefits of Licorice
Licorice is a time-honored remedy and is amongst the most extensively utilized and scientifically studied botanical healers. Benefits of licorice for health conditions include the following:
Aphthous Ulcers or Canker Sores
According to the study published in the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, licorice has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of painful recurrent aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores. [10] Canker sores are small, non-contagious lesions that crop up on the tissues inside the mouth and gums. Furthermore, the study has shown that treatment with licorice extract has resulted in significant improvement in the condition of the subjects with respect to reduction in both pain and inflammation. The beneficial constituents of licorice help in accelerating the healing and aids in the stimulation of the body’s immune defense mechanism.
Liver Protection
Studies have shown promising results regarding the hepatoprotective effect of licorice. It contains glycyrrhizin, which as per a study in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, is effective in the treatment of liver disorders by reducing toxicity and helps in stabilizing the normal functional condition of the liver. Another research study has provided evidence that the flavonoid isoliquiritigenin, present in licorice, possesses antioxidant and inhibitory qualities which help in protecting the liver cells from high-fat, diet-induced injuries and the damage caused by oxidative stress.
Stomach Disorders
Phyllis A Balch, in his book, Herbal Healing mentioned that the glycyrrhizic acid present in licorice can provide protection against the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria and can also exert therapeutic effects in curing the symptoms of dyspepsia or impaired digestion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dr. Qing-Chun Huang and his team from the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, China, in a report published in the Oncotarget Journal stated that licorice extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties and have been proven to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Research has indicated that it may be beneficial in reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and for providing relief from pain and swelling.
Menopause and Premenstrual Syndrome
Licorice root is effective in treating the symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). [15] It is rich in isoflavones, which help to maintain the estrogen and progesterone balance in the body. Studies have shown positive results regarding the efficacy of licorice in reducing the frequency of nocturnal hot flashes and for improving physical and psychological health in menopausal women. It contains phytoestrogens and helps in elevating the levels of progesterone hormone in the body, which aids in soothing the cramps and discomfort often experienced during menstruation. Dr. Linda Woolven in her book, The Smart Woman’s Guide to PMS and Pain-Free Periods, has stated that licorice root is also effective in the problem of water retention by blocking the hormonal effects of the aldosterone hormone.
Chemopreventive Effects
Licorice possesses chemopreventive effects and is beneficial in the treatment of various types of cancer. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has demonstrated the anti-proliferative effects of licorice roots in restricting the growth of human breast cancer cells. It contains flavonoids such as isoliquiritigenin, which helps in suppressing colon carcinogenesis and induces apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.
Research has provided supporting evidence regarding the anti-tumor activity of licorice extracts, which are effective in reducing the toxicity induced by chemotherapy drugs and inhibits the production of tumor cells. However, cancer patients undergoing cisplatin therapy should avoid licorice extract. Licorice extracts are also helpful in treating chronic prostatitis and prostate cancer. [
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A book titled, Natural Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, authored by Daivati Bharadwaj, states that licorice is useful in preventing the malfunction of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of hormones such as cortisol to manage stress in the body and help in improving its overall function. Excess consumption of licorice should be avoided. It is considered effective in people who have been prescribed steroids for a long time to counter the suppressive action of steroids on the adrenal glands. This also aids in stimulating the body’s resistance to stress, especially during the recovery phase after surgeries. Glycyrrhizinic acid present in it helps in feeling more energetic and reduces the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Boosts Immunity
Licorice aids in improving the immune defense mechanism of the body. It also helps in elevating the levels of interferon, an anti-viral agent which, along with glycyrrhizinic acid, stimulates the action of immune cells and helps in combating the infectious viruses and bacteria such as influenza A.
Treats Tuberculosis
A report published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has shown that licorice is effective in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and also helps in reducing the length of the healing process. The antimycobacterial and antimicrobial action of the constituents present in it work well in the treatment of lung infections and makes it an effective antitubercular agent.
Cures Infections
Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which is effective in treating various viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Research studies have revealed the antiviral effect of licorice and its constituents in inhibiting the growth of the herpes virus and preventing any further development of cancer. Merrily Kuhn in her book, Winston & Kuhn’s Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach, stated that the infection-fighting property of licorice has been found beneficial in the treatment of shingles, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Atherosclerosis
Licorice roots possess antioxidants, which are effective in maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol. The flavonoid glabridin, along with other beneficial components present in licorice, exert a beneficial effect in preventing the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol and helps in reducing the risk of diseases like atherosclerosis.
Respiratory Disorder
Licorice is beneficial in treating sore throats, coughs, colds, bronchitis, and lung diseases like emphysema. It also provides relief from upper respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria. It works effectively as an expectorant and helps in expelling the mucus and other substances from the bronchi and lungs. This aids in the relaxation of bronchial spasms. A study published in the International Immunopharmacology provides supporting evidence regarding the therapeutic effect of licorice in reducing the constrictions in the airways and its beneficial effects in the treatment of asthma.
Treats HIV
Licorice is effective in treating HIV-related diseases. Studies have shown that the glycyrrhizin present in its roots helps in inhibiting the proliferation of the infecting virus by encouraging the production of beta-chemokines. It also helps in preventing the destruction of white blood cells by the HIV virus and strengthens the immune mechanism of the body.
Detoxification
A 2010 report published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry states that licorice possesses laxative qualities and promotes the detoxification of both the colon and the blood supply. Research studies have shown that the component dehydroglyasperin present in licorice extracts have been proven beneficial in the induction of phase-2 detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, which help the body in discarding harmful and poisonous toxic wastes.
Increases Female Fertility
Licorice tea may help in treating fertility problems in women caused due to hormonal irregularities such as polycystic ovaries. [It helps to regulate the secretion of the estrogen hormone and aids in curing any fertility complications in females. It is effective in normalizing irregular menstruation, helps in the restoration of regular ovulation and encourages conception. As supported by a study published in the Steroids Journal, it helps in reducing the serum testosterone in women, which makes it an effective consideration for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome and hirsutism.
Treats Obesity
Licorice extracts may also be effective in preventing obesity. [33] The anti-obesity action of licorice flavonoid oil indicated a significant reduction in the presence of abdominal adipose tissues and triglycerides levels of the body.
Skin Care
Licorice is an excellent skin healer and is beneficial in the treatment of skin ailments such as eczema, athlete’s foot, and psoriasis. Studies have shown that topical use of licorice extracts help in relieving the swelling and itching in such conditions as well. [35] Licorice extracts have skin-lightening effects and also aid in providing protection against ultra-violet radiation-induced erythema, reducing inflammation and helping to improve persistent facial redness.
Hepatitis
Licorice is also effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus. It helps in suppressing the secretion of the hepatitis B antigen and enhances the functioning of the liver.
Gastric or Peptic Ulcers
Deglycyrrhizinized licorice, which refers to licorice that does not contain glycyrrhizinic acid, has been proven effective in the treatment of gastric ulcers by various research studies. According to these studies, licorice extracts exerted healing effects on peptic ulcers without causing any side effects such as edema, electrolyte imbalance, hypertension or weight gain in the test subjects.
Hair Care
Licorice is effective in maintaining healthy hair by reducing the oil secretion and preventing the occurrence of dandruff. It helps in restraining the growth of dihydrotestosterone hormone and stimulates the hair growth.
Reduces Depression
A study published in the Journal of Molecular Sciences has provided supporting evidence regarding the efficacy of licorice constituents in combating pre- and post-menopausal depression in women. It contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and beta-carotene, along with beneficial flavonoids that help in fighting depression.
Dental Health
Licorice extracts have been effective in the prevention and treatment of dental caries and gingivitis. The antimicrobial quality of deglycyrrhizinated licorice is beneficial against Streptococcus mutans and inhibits the formation of biofilms and dental plaques. Due to such protective antibacterial effects, licorice root extracts have been widely used in the manufacturing of oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Neurological Disorders
Licorice is effective in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease. It helps in the prevention of the involuntary flow of tears and the development of other neurological symptoms such as paralysis in those patients suffering from Bell’s palsy.
licoriceinfographicCardiovascular Health
The antioxidant qualities of licorice extracts are effective in the prevention of cardiovascular stress in diabetic people. The flavonoid glabridin, which is present in licorice roots, helps in providing vascular protection under high glucose conditions, prevents the formation of plaques in the arteries, and stimulates the unobstructed flow of blood in diabetic patients.
Cognitive Function
Studies have provided supporting evidence that demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of glabridin in cases of diabetes. It helps in the prevention of cognitive impairment and assists in enhancing the learning and memory functions in diabetics. The component amorfrutins that are present in licorice possess anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects that help to reduce the blood sugar, inhibit the development of insulin resistance, and prevent Type-2 diabetes.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Studies have shown that roasted licorice is effective in curing diabetic nephropathy, in which the kidney damage happens as a consequence of long-standing diabetes. The inhibitory effect of licorice helps in the prevention and treatment of symptoms such as glomerulosclerosis which can result in diabetic nephropathy due to long-term diabetes.