Herbal Benefits of LICORICE

Liquorice (British English) or licorice (American English). This herbaceous plant called glycyrrhiza glabra belongs to Mediterranean region, parts of Asia as well as southern Europe. Its roots have a wide range of uses because of sweet flavour they possess in addition to healing properties they bear. Thus the candy taste you find much in candies made at home, herbal teas and traditional medicines all come from licorice root. On the other hand, glycyrrhizin – a sweetener found in liquorice – has many therapeutic effects and is according to many reports much sweeter than sugar. In this blog we will discuss about Herbal benefits of Licorice.

The liquorice complex has been used in ancient times as an antidote for various ailments including sore throat, gastritis and even obesity as it helps with appetite suppression thus leading to weight loss. Glycyrrhiza glabra contains potent compounds which include licorice acid that promotes secretion of glucocorticoids thus assisting in anti inflammatory processes during illness like HIV/AIDS viral infections.

History of Licorice

People have used licorice as a medicine for many centuries. Among the first to do so were indeed the Egyptians, who considered it an herb of healing and put some into tombs of Pharaohs. In ancient Chinese medicine, licorice was among the main ingredients while Greeks and Romans employed it in treating different conditions like those affecting the respiratory system or affecting digestion. By the Middle Ages, licorice reached Europe where people started using it as a remedy and flavoring agent, later moving to America where people still appreciate its medicinal values today.

Herbal Benefits of Licorice/Liquorice

Herbal medicine has used licorice root for centuries due to its wide range of health benefits.

Digestive Health: Licorice Root provide physical relief from symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and gastric. The root’s anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating ulcers and other inflammatory conditions of the stomach.
Respiratory Health: Licorice root is an effective remedy for cough, cold and all other respiratory symptoms. It helps to thin mucus and soothe irritated airways, providing relief from bronchitis, asthma, and sore throats.
Anti-inflammatory and Immune-Boosting: The glycyrrhizin in licorice has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
Hormonal Balance: Licorice root is an herbal remedy often used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Since it contains phytoestrogens that assist with hormone balancing among women.
Liver Protection: Licorice also protects against hepatotoxicity. It can help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, and viruses.
Skin Health: Because of its anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties, licorice extract is frequently included in skincare products. The extract reduces redness, pigmentation and darkness spots on skin.