Licorice: The Guiding Herb And a Powerful Health Food

Well, if you nearly regret enjoying a sumptuous dinner just because your insides felt uneasy, then there is a great herbal extract to harmonize your inner ‘gut feeling’ as well as your ‘holistic well-being’.

In your childhood, have you ever loved the Licorice candies or Australian Red chews from sweetshops?

However, regardless of whether it is being adored for its luscious sweeter taste, licorice has made its move from the pantry to the health care and skin care cabinets rendering numerous health benefits.

Brief overview on the history of Licorice:

Liquorice (British English) or Licorice is obtained from a flowering plant “Glycyrrhiza glabra” native to certain parts of Europe and Asia. This amazing plant extract has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese, Greek and Middle Eastern medicinal practices. On the contrast, Licorice is being used as a confectionary as well as a flavoring agent in confectionaries, tobacco, beverages etc. The popular synonyms of Licorice include Yashtimadhu, Mulethi, Sweet Root, Sweet Grass, Irattimadhuram.

Now, let’s enlighten ourselves by reading below the versatile benefits of this Rasayana herb of Ayurveda,

Digestion & Detox:

Licorice root extract helps soothe the stomach lining by increasing mucus production and increasing blood supply which results in reducing irritability caused by excess stomach acid and enabling the internal healing process. It also has the ability to impart moisture to the tissues and mucous membranes and it can also restore the rasa, or the fluids of the body. Thus, providing a wonderful support to get your bowel easeful and regular. Licorice contains 20 triterpenoids, and 300 flavonoids, some among which also possesses anti-microbial properties and helps the gut with the following,

• Reduces inflammation and relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.
• Exerts a mild laxative effect thus promoting bowel regularity.
• Treats indigestion, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
• Relieves symptoms of acid reflux, gastritis, stomach ulcers.
• Assists to inhibit the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria.
• Possess liver protecting activity by scavenging free radicals.
• Detoxifies, and flushes out toxins from the gut.

Licorice root is available in fluid extract as well as capsules form.

Sore throat & Respiratory Infections:

You might have already spotted licorice as a key ingredient and classic remedy in some of your sore throat preparations. It is an effective remedy to help dispel excess kapha and ama (toxins) from the lungs, thus promoting optimal breathing. Licorice in lozenges and cough syrups have a number of quick fixes such as,

• Soothing irritated airways and relieving sore throat.
• Aids in expelling mucus and easing cough.
• Acts as a natural pain killer and promptly fixes hoarse voice
• Assists in management of upper respiratory tract infections.

Wholesome Health & Immunity:

Licorice extract is known to boost immunity by keeping illnesses and infections at bay. It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which proposes it as a natural antibiotic. Furthermore, research insights that it weakens virus activities by inhibiting virus gene expression, replication, and binding to DNA.

Adrenal Health:

Licorice extract is a rejuvenative brain tonic which assists in promoting normal adrenal activity, optimizing the cortisol levels to structure better responses to stressful situations and fight fatigue. Due to the cortisol sparing effects, licorice supports improved energy, balanced mood, boosted brain performance and healthy stress management. The restorative effects of licorice is a wonderful antidote to those experiencing tiredness and stress.

Skin Health:

Licorice oral is a potion indeed as well to replenish from within and reduce free radical skin damage and combat dryness. Furthermore, due to its outstanding skin repairing properties in external or topical use preparations, licorice is being used as a winning ingredient in tone-perfecting creams, spot fading serums and even hair masks for the following benefits,

• Reduces inflammation, acne, and blemishes.
• Great as a brightening and anti-aging ingredient.
• Evens out skin tone and effective in correcting dark spots.
• Calms down stressed, irritated and sensitive skin.
• Acts as an antioxidant and reduces free radical skin damage.
• Maintains skin microbiome and in turn balanced skin barrier.
• Soothes dry, irritated, and itchy sensitive scalp.
• Helps with preventing premature greying and balding of hair.

Women’s Health:

Licorice reduces the elevated prostaglandin production in the body which is responsible for painful contraction and diarrhea associated with menstruation. Therefore, licorice eases menstrual cramps, period related diarrhea, bloating and restores hormonal equilibrium. It also inhibits testosterone secretion in polycystic ovarian syndrome and improves menstrual regularity. Furthermore, Licorice mimics estrogen activity which is particularly beneficial during menopause when estrogen dip triggers hot flashes.

Dental Health:

Licorice helps reduce tooth decay and gum disease by reducing the bacterial growth inside your mouth through its antibacterial properties. Thanks to its pungent odor which leaves the breath smelling fresher.

Word of Caution:

Please speak to your doctor if you are suffering from hypertension, heart failure, hormone-sensitive cancers, hypokalemia, kidney diseases, using other medications or pregnant / breastfeeding prior to using Licorice.  It is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated by most people when used in moderation. Longer term oral use of more than 6 weeks is not recommended without consulting your Healthcare Practitioner.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a Healthcare Professional.