Medicinal Benefits of Licorice

Our search for the benefits of licorice is on, but first off we must know a few things, and one of them been exactly what licorice (also known as liquorice) (scientific name Glycyrrhiza glabra) is.

It is a sweet chewy, aromatic black substance made by evaporation from the juice of a root and used as a sweetie and also in medicines.
Licorice tea is good to use, but beware of licorice sweeties which are often made from anise, and does not contain the same benefits as licorice, so always check the ingredients on your packaging.

When Archeologists opened the tomb of King Tutankahamen in 1922, many, many treasures were found and together with all of this stored weallth was a bundle of licorice root from some 33 centuries ago.

Why is Licorice good for you?

Listed below are all the reasons why licorice is good for you.

Demulcent
Expectorant
Tonic
Laxative
Anti-inflammatory
antipyretic
diuretic
adaptogen (helps the body to adapt to stress)
antacid
adrenal tonic
antiviral
antiallergenic
anti-oxidant
antibacterial
antiulcer
antifungal
antithrombotic
See herbal dictionary for explanations of these properties

Amongst the Benefits of Licorice is that it contains 24 anti-inflammatory compounds, 5 of which are natural COX-2 inhibitors.(COX-2) is an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain.

It is also a potent antioxidant that is rich in flavonoids and magnesium.

Licorice for Cancer

Another one of the Benefits of Licorice is that it is a potent, multi-faceted medicine with strong anti-cancer powers, possibly because of the triterpenoids which may stifle quick-growing cancer cells and causes some pre-cancerous cell to return to normal growth.

Benefits of Licorice for Digestion

This sweet-tasting herb you can use to make a tea, is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help relieve irritation in the bowel.

Consuming black licorice could be a reason for you to produce black stools, but rather check with your Health Professional, before you decide it is the licorice causing this.

Is Licorice good or bad for you?
WARNING!!

People ask the question "is Licorice good or bad for you?"

And the answer is...... it is both good and bad for you.

Below is when it would not be good for you.

Licorice increases the risk of high blood pressure.
It should not be used by pregnant or nursing woman.
It should not be used by people who have diabetes.
People who have glaucoma.
People who have heart disease.
Ladies who have severe menstrual problems.
And by people who have history of a stroke.

Licorice for Ulcers

If Tutenkahmen used to use this 33 centuries ago then this traditional folk remedy must have a pretty good history for been effective.

Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, a compound that is thought to soothe and strengthen the intestinal lining and help ulcers heal more quickly.
To soothe your digestive tract, try adding ½ teaspoon of DGL powder to your rooibos or favorite herbal tea.

DGL is a health supplement which has the substantial parts of glycyrrhizic removed).

Licorice for Mental and Emotional Problems

Now, this is a difficult one to explain, but if you suffer from depression, brew up a tasty tea with some licorice extract (not the candy).
Licorice outweighs any of the other herbs for treating depression.
Do not drink more than 3 cups a day for no longer than 6 weeks.
On this website we have always promised to keep things simple, but here we really have to give you the heavy stuff. Licorice contains numerous compounds that act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant medication, (what a mouthful!!)
When drinking licorice tea, do not have more than 3 cups a day and for no longer than 6 weeks.
Stay away from alcohol, cold remedies, diuretics, tryptophan, tyrosine and amphetamines.
And as warned above, do not use at all if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have a severe liver, kidney or heart disease, and also high blood pressure.

Licorice for the Respiratory System

Drinking licorice Root Tea has an anesthetizing effect; it soothes irritated throats and suppresses coughs. This tea is now available in tea bags from some health shops.
One of the Benefits of Licorice is that it is an expectorant, which means it helps to get rid of phlegm, therefore very good for coughs
Always try and get the deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) form of licorice because it generally does not cause blood pressure elevations.
There is also scientific documentation for licorice been effective for an asthma and a sore throat home remedy.
Once again Licorice tea may bring relief, but should not be taken long term.

Licorice Tea decorated with Blossoms

Licorice for treating Corns and Calluses

Grind up a few licorice sticks, mix them with petroleum jelly and rub into your corns and calluses.
"Licorice contains estrogen-like substances that literally softens the hard skin."