Liquorice root is the root and underground stems of an herbaceous perennial plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. Greek, Egyptians, Chinese and other Asian nations have been using liquorice root for flavouring, confectionery applications and medicinal purposes for centuries. It is also known as sweet root and Gan Zao in Chinese. liquorice Root contains a number of healthy compounds such as flavonoids, volatile oils, plant sterols, coumarins, glycosides, asparagine, chalcones, glycyrrhizic acid and anethole. liquorice Root has a peculiar sweet flavour with a faint hint of anise flavour and is sweeter than sugar (sucrose). However, studies suggest that along with its a slew of health benefits a key compound in liquorice Root, glycyrrhizic acid, may raise blood pressure levels when used in large quantities on regular basis. Therefore, processed liquorice Root is also available that does not contain glycyrrhizic acid and can be found under the label of Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice Root (DGL root).
What are the Benefits of Liquorice Root?
Liquorice Root is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antii-nflammatory,anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, antidepressant, demulcent and expectorant activity. Due to its remarkable healing components, Liquorice Root has been used in the treatment of many minor to severe health conditions which include asthma, body odour, chronic fatigue, depression, obesity, sore throat, cold and flu, coughs, bronchitis, dandruff, gingivitis and tooth decay, canker sores, infections caused by viruses such as hepatitis, fungal infections, athlete's foot, heartburn, constipation, peptic ulcer, liver problems, emphysema, psoriasis, shingles, skin rash, hyperpigmentation, baldness, tuberculosis, yeast infections, hormone regulation, mood swings, hot flashes associated with menopause, PMS, muscle cramps, prostate enlargement, bursitis, tendinitis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice Root (DGL) is often suggested for high cholesterol levels, arterial plaque and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Preliminary studies have shown that Liquorice root may suppress the multiplication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and might be beneficial for people who are at the risk or are suffering from AIDS.
Uses of Liquorice Root
Depression
Researches show that Glycyrrhizic acid in Liquorice Root may help with depression and anxiety by promoting adrenal gland function. Adrenal glands regulate stress hormones such as cortisol. The depleted stress hormone levels are usually responsible for chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety,and lowered resistance levels to allergens and infections. Also Liquorice Root contains Asparagine amino acid which is required to maintain equilibrium by the nervous system. Therefore, drinking one cup of Liquorice tea twice daily may be beneficial for depression, anxiety, nervousness and migraines caused by stress.
High Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Studies have shown that Liquorice Root may regulate the cholesterol levels by improving the bile flow. Researches suggest that bile acids account for cholesterol metabolism and elimination of excess cholesterol in the body. Also the antioxidant activity of Liquorice Root may inhibit the development of arterial plaque and improve the capillary health. Therefore, taking one capsule of Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice Root extract daily for 30 days may help prevent cardiovascular diseases and regulate the cholesterol levels.
Menopause
The phytoestrogenic and antioxidant activity of Liquorice Root is believed to be helpful for hormonal disorders such as fatigue, mood swings, and hot flashes in menopausal women. Therefore, taking one capsule of Liquorice Root extract daily may help balance and regulate the hormone production in women going through menopause.
PMS and Menstrual Cramps
Liquorice Root has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and a mild estrogenic activity which may help with PMS symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea and bloating, as well as menstrual cramps. Drinking Liquorice Root tea starting 3 days before expected period time may help with menstrual cramps, hormonal imbalance and help ease the PMS symptoms.
Skin Disorders
People have been using Liquorice Root salves and poultices in the treatment of skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and dry and itchy skin. A small clinical study has shown that the demulcent and anti-inflammatory agents in Liquorice Root extract gel may reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Simply applying Liquorice Root extract gel onto the affected area two to three times daily may help relieve the skin disorders.
Shingles and Herpes
Liquorice Root Extract has been used in the treatment of cold sores, shingles and herpes simplex. A few studies have shown that anti viral activity of Liquorice Root extract may suppress the progression and recurrence of cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus. In some severe cases topical application of carbenoxolone cream, which is a synthetic derivative of glycyrrhizinic acid, has been beneficial for herpes virus. Simple remedy for shingles, herpes simplex and old sores is to take one capsule of Liquorice Root extract twice daily and apply Liquorice Root extract gel or ointment on to the affected area 4 to 5 times daily.
Sore Throat and Cough
Researches suggest that saponin glycosides in Liquorice Root have an expectorant activity which may help with dry cough, bronchitis, and asthma. An expectorant promotes the bronchial secretions and break down the thick phlegm making it easy to cough it out. The antiviral, anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties of Liquorice Root may also help lubricate the irritated and inflamed respiratory tract and sore throat, relax bronchial spasms, and combat viral flu, cold and other respiratory tract infections including asthma. Simple remedy is to drink Liquorice Root tea two to three times daily. To make the tea, shred 2 inches of Liquorice Root into a boiling cup of water. let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Then strain out the shredded root and drink it warm. To regulate the quantity, Liquorice Root tea bags can be used to make the tea.
Stomach and Gastric Problems
Liquorice Root is used to treat many intestinal tract and digestive abnormalities. The flavonoids and chalcones in Liquorice Root may help with inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract and the mucus lining of the stomach caused by bacterial infection. Also soothing agents in Liquorice Root may soothe and calm the digestion system promoting bowel health. Simple remedy is to drink Liquorice Root tea two to three times daily. Liquorice Root tea can be made by steeping the tea bag for 10 minutes into a boiling cup of water.
Weight Loss
A study shows that participants had significant decrease in body fat mass after taking 3.5g of Liquorice Root extract daily for two months. However, the consumption of Liquorice Root is not recommended for longer periods. Therefore, even though the study suggests the regular use of the herb for two months, it is advised to stop the use of Liquorice Root for one week after every two weeks during the two months period. For weight loss, balanced diet combined with regular physical activity may contribute to significant reduction in body fat mass.
What are the Side Effects of Liquorice Root?
The overdose and long term consumption of Liquorice Root may cause hypertension, hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels), cataracts, and salt and fluid retention. Therefore, it is not recommended for people with heart conditions. However, Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL) may be a healthy alternative for people who are heart patients. People who are allergic to Fabaceae (legume, pea, bean, or pulse) plant family, can be allergic to Liquorice Root too since Liquorice Root belongs to Fabaceae family . Due to the estrogenic activity of Liquorice Root, it should be avoided by pregnant women. If you are taking any hormonal, or steroid drugs or any other medication or supplements, it is highly recommended to consult with your health care provider to discuss any possible interaction complications Liquorice Root may cause.
