Most people know licorice as a cheap, delightful candy, but it is lesser known for the incredible health benefits of its root. The benefits of licorice include healing minor conditions such as athlete’s foot, canker sores, baldness, heartburn, and a sore throat, as well as more extreme conditions like influenza, asthma, HIV, shingles and tuberculosis. What follows is a list of nine of the most popular and effective health treatments associated with licorice root.
Controlling Weight
Regular consumption of the root of licorice benefits the body by breaking down fat and helping the body to naturally lose weight. Due to its potency it must be taken at intermittent intervals to avoid toxicity. Nonetheless, when combined with a proper diet and daily exercise, this is one of the best natural weight loss supplements.
Curing Skin Conditions
Eczema, psoriasis, itchiness, and rashes can be easily cured by the topical application of licorice root. It sometimes even helps rid the skin of acne. Some prefer to create a gel or healing salve by grinding the root and mixing it with some kind of medium. Its anti-inflammatory properties begin to take effect almost immediately and will reduce or eliminate skin conditions in a matter of days.
Relief of Menopausal Symptoms
This perfectly natural aid can reduce the frequency and intensity of various symptoms of menopause by regulating the body’s hormones. Mood swings, hot flashes, and the chronic exhaustion associated with menopause can all be dampened by taking a licorice root supplement every day. Some prefer to steep the root in hot water to make licorice tea, which is less potent; this way it can safely be taken over longer periods of time, albeit whilst providing a weaker effect.
Balancing of Adrenal Glands
Glycyrrhizic acid, a substance primarily found in licorice root, has been known to affect the adrenal glands by regulating the flow of cortisol throughout the body. This results in the relief of stress and anxious feelings, as well as chemically induced fatigue or depression. It also provides an extra layer of defense against infection, and reduces the possibility for allergic reaction to just about any external stimulus. The amino acid present in the root, known as asparagine, enhances the effect of glycyrrhizic acid.
Alleviate Symptoms of Menstruation
Many of the same symptoms of menopause are present in regular menstruation, and as such, these same symptoms are fended off by licorice root. Again, many prefer to drink licorice root tea as a way to lessen their severity. Cramping, bloating, tenderness of the breasts, nausea and an unstable mood are all affected by this root.
Fight Herpes
One of the most medically important licorice root benefits lies in the antiviral properties of the root. It is known to treat lesser conditions like simple cold sores, but it can also be used to treat shingles and slow or halt the progression of herpes. More powerful and frequent use of the root is recommended for more severe conditions such as these, including both internal and topical application.
Throat Soreness
The anti-inflammatory properties within this root are great for soothing a sore throat. It may not provide a lasting solution, as there is no proof that it stimulates the salivary glands in the body. Many who study natural medicine suggest that it does, however more research is necessary.
Fighting LDL Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a prevalent problem in the world. Licorice root aids in reducing the body’s “bad” cholesterol by fostering increased production of bile, which simultaneously uses and breaks down cholesterol. Antioxidants found in the root limit plaque buildup as well; these two facts combined make it a great preventative measure against strokes or other conditions related to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Intestinal Health
Finally, drinking licorice root tea or taking supplements regularly can prevent or dispel a variety of intestinal issues. Abdominal discomfort, indigestion, inflammation, and other gastric issues. It provides immediate relief of pain while healing the underlying problem over time.
Health Warnings for Licorice Root
While it is a natural and extremely effective treatment for many health conditions, certain dangers are associated with consuming this root. Licorice root side effects are fairly rare when it is taken in moderation, but of course, overconsumption of anything can cause toxicity. Allergic reactions can also produce any of its negative side effects, sometimes to a much more dangerous extent. Licorice root belongs to the same family as beans and legume peas, so if allergies for either is present one should not consume this root.
Hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, can be caused by eating too much licorice root or taking supplements for too long. As such, anyone with any kind of heart disease or condition should definitely consult their doctor or avoid licorice root altogether. Hypokalemia, or dangerously low levels of potassium in the blood, can be caused in the same way. Cataracts can also be formed over time, resulting in increasingly blurry vision. And finally, though not quite as severe, over consumption of licorice root can cause increased water retention.
Pregnant women face a special danger with licorice root. Any woman who is pregnant, might be pregnant, or is currently breastfeeding, should absolutely not take licorice root supplements or consume the root itself. It can unsafely alter the body’s levels of estrogen resulting in any number of complications. To that extent, anyone taking supplements or medication that regulates hormone production in some way should ask a doctor if licorice root is safe for them.
Joxito