{"id":6067,"date":"2019-04-30T02:29:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T02:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6067"},"modified":"2021-11-10T13:05:26","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T13:05:26","slug":"licorice-20-amazing-health-benefits-and-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/licorice-20-amazing-health-benefits-and-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"Licorice – 20 Amazing Health Benefits and Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Licorice has a history of use in food and medicine for over a millennium. This tasty root comes packed with potent polyphenol micronutrients that have potent medicinal effects for curing anything from nausea to heartburn, and leaky gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The licorice plant is native to the lands of Asia and Southern Europe, and it has a classification as a weed in some of those areas.  Its most popular uses are candy, sweeteners, and flavoring in tobacco products. This widely-used herb has established health benefits, and folk medicine uses it to treat all types of inflammatory diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glycyrrhizin is the active polyphenol compound found in licorice, and it’s also responsible for the side-effects of consuming too much licorice, such as high blood pressure. As a result, many food producers and supplement companies now produce licorice extract for use in therapeutic and food applications \u2013 but with the glycyrrhizin removed. This formulation removes the adverse side-effects from licorice \u2014 better known as DGL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with eating excessive amounts of licorice can cause potassium loss, which in turn could result in high blood pressure. Here are eight health benefits and uses of licorice.
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1.    Enhance Digestive Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Licorice <\/a>root helps conditions like acid reflux, and has a use for soothing gastrointestinal problems, in some cases of stomach ulcers, heartburn, and food poisoning. Licorice root extract can speed up your recovery from viral or bacterial infection, especially if you are using DGL or de-glycyrrhizinate licorice. DGL increases mucus production, protecting the stomach lining from excess acid production. Licorice is also useful in treating the symptoms of pain and cramping caused by ulcers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Licorice root also shows promise in treating the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease. ) The licorice root also helps with relieving feelings of nausea and vomiting. Licorice relieves irritation, and it soothes swelling due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties that are known to increase the recovery time of the stomach lining.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One study found that glycyrrhizic acid can suppress the toxic bacteria H. pylori, and can prevent it from growing in the gut. There is also research showing people who have peptic ulcer disease, heartburn, or gastritis experience an improvement in symptoms when taking DGL.
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2.    Beneficial in a Weight Loss Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are battling body fat here is some good news for your fat loss diet<\/a>. Eating black licorice helps reduce body fat by ramping up metabolic function \u2013 with no side effects as you would expect in other thermogenic supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a study, research shows that an intake of 3.5 grams of licorice a day, could reduce body fat by up to 4-percent in subjects. The strong taste of licorice affects the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone \u2013 thereby reducing appetite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preliminary research also shows how licorice can decrease adipose tissue mass. Data shows that body fat dropped and hydration levels increase, while both weight and blood pressure remained constant. While eating licorice alone won\u2019t have any significant fat-burning effect, combining it with regular exercise and a healthy diet may provide a synergistic effect that helps you burn more body fat. So, get your workout at the gym done, eat your meals, and then enjoy a stick of licorice for dessert.  
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3.    Enhance Liver Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The medical profession and scientists have been working on the health benefits of licorice root for some time. Their research shows that consuming licorice root is beneficial for liver health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The liver <\/a>is one of the few organs of the human body that has the capacity for regeneration. Eating licorice helps your liver recuperate from the effects of drinking alcohol, preventing the onset of fatty liver disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we drink alcohol, our liver produces enzymes to repair the damage done.  Should you drink in moderation, they restore the liver without any issues. However, those people who drink in excess, experience an elevation in liver enzymes beyond the normal range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that licorice root stops the liver damage in its tracks, allowing the liver to recover from the effects of alcohol toxicity. If you are out drinking with friends, chew on some licorice root on the way to the bar, it protects the liver from alcohol-induced fatty liver injury.
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4.    Curb Inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease associated with painful joints.  There is no effective cure available, and patients have to learn to deal with the pain symptoms using medication to relieve pain and inflammation<\/a>. RA surfaces from chronic joint inflammation, which causes structural damage to cartilage, bone, and ligaments.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RA is treatable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and corticosteroids, which normalize the immune system.  It also helps to reduce the expression of inflammatory mediators. However, these drugs are not suitable for long-term use as they may cause liver damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chinese traditional medicine practitioners have used licorice to treat various ailments ranging from tuberculosis to peptic ulcers, the roasted form of licorice has been reported to possess anti-allergic, neuroprotective, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a recent study, researchers found that roasted licorice extract was more potent than unroasted licorice extract in its medicinal properties at relieving the symptoms of inflammatory disease.
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5.    Enhance Cognitive Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One compound in licorice, namely carbenoxolone, shows promise in reducing stress and slowing brain aging that may lead to the development of dementia<\/a>. Another compound in licorice, liquiritigenin, has a positive effect on brain cells, showing promise as a treatment for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A report by the Northwest Parkinson\u2019s Foundation found that licorice root extract could also help prevent other brain and cognitive dysfunctions and diseases \u2013 and even boost memory.  Some studies show that licorice might also aid in treating depression as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research has evidence that demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of glabridin, especially for people who have diabetes. It helps the prevention of cognitive impairment and assists in enhancing learning and memory functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The component amorphousness present in licorice possesses anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties as well. It helps to reduce blood sugar, inhibit the development of insulin resistance, and prevent Type-2 diabetes. Research shows that licorice helps slow the progression of neurological symptoms and provides relief from chronic fatigue.
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6.    Relieve Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tired all the time? Natural herbal remedies make excellent remedies for combating the effects of fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel exhausted all the time and you can\u2019t think, you could have a condition known as adrenal fatigue<\/a>. The two small glands located on top of your kidneys, known as the adrenal glands, are responsible for making cortisol. This hormone is crucial in the body’s stress response, and ongoing stress can cause the adrenals to produce increased levels of cortisol, leaving you feeling fatigued and moody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Licorice is a common natural remedy for combatting the effects of chronic fatigue. This root helps regulate the nervous system’s function, allowing your body to handle excessive amounts of stress. Some research suggests that licorice root can prevent adrenal exhaustion by providing support to the glands, preventing the onset of symptoms related to the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The root is a traditional remedy for balancing female hormones, thus relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
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7.    Improve Sleep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One specific type of licorice root, called Glycyrrhiza glabra, is known to induce sleep <\/a>and enhance sleep duration. Two other common compounds in licorice root, namely Gabriel and liquiritigenin, also help induce sleep, reducing the time it takes you to fall asleep at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More critically, these compounds increase the length of non-REM sleep without disturbing deep sleep patterns. Sleep deprivation transpires when a person gets less sleep than they need to feel awake and alert, due to the brain not being able to clear toxins from neural pathways during sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although occasional sleep interruptions are typically regular for most people, sleep deprivation can cause excessive sleepiness during the day and emotional difficulties with mood swings.  There is no questioning the importance of sleep, and we must pay attention to sleep hygiene and our diet to prevent sleep deprivation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating licorice root an hour before bedtime can assist with the release of GABA \u2013 inducing feelings of sleepiness that improve the time it takes to fall asleep, as well as have a positive impact on the quality of your sleep as well.
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8.    Enhance Skin Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Daily use of licorice helps to fade blemishes and dark spots.  The application of licorice tea is known to help in healing several skin disorders such as eczema<\/a>, psoriasis, dry skin, and skin rashes.  Licorice extract can diminish the appearance of dark under-eye circles, discoloration, and age spots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By incorporating licorice tea in one\u2019s diet can protect the skin from harmful UV rays, and it has a use as a sunscreen to protect the skin from ultra-violet radiation-induced sunburns.  To treat sun damage, apply a pack to the area, prepared by mixing crushed cucumber in licorice tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and demulcent properties help to heal redness and inflammation associated with a sunburn. The extract also features potent antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can prepare a natural face mask by mixing fuller\u2019s earth with turmeric powder and licorice tea. Apply on your face and allow it to dry, and then rinse off the face pack with fresh water. To keep the skin hydrated, add a few drops of coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil to the recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Treat Peptic Ulcers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The H. pylori bacteria are responsible for causing painful sores that develop in your lower esophagus<\/a>, stomach, or small intestine. The severity of the bacterial inflammation determines the extent of the problem. Some patients might have several peptic ulcers, while others only have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the number of ulcers, they cause severe pain symptoms in affected individuals. Many people living with the effects of ulcers rely on medication to calm the condition’s symptoms. However, it seems licorice root extract has a benefit in healing the digestive system and esophagus from peptic ulcers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The glycyrrhizin in licorice root extract shows promise in treating the effects of peptic ulcers. A study in rodents discovered licorice extract at doses of 91 mg per lb of bodyweight protects against ulcers. The research results conclude licorice root extract at the right doses works as well as the common ulcer medication, omeprazole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Anti-Cancer Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Colorectal cancer is responsible for killing more than 50,000 Americans each year. Patients dealing with colorectal cancer rely on medications to help them through the pain associated with the condition. However, the medicines have a harsh effect on the internal organs, particularly the liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to its potent anti-inflammatory<\/a> effect on the digestive system, researchers decided to look at the compound’s potential as an alternative treatment for colorectal and prostate cancers. While research is inconclusive and requires further study, some promising conclusions support the use of licorice extract to treat these specific cancers in rodents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is some convincing evidence supporting the use of licorice extract to suppress oral mucositis symptoms, a painful condition leading to the development of sores in the mouth. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments often experience this side effect of the therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A two-week study of 60 adults dealing with the effects of neck and head cancer showed the use of a topical licorice extract film effectively curbed the effects of oral mucositis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Ease Upper Respiratory Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who experience the onset of irritation <\/a>and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract may benefit from the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of licorice extract. Licorice extract contains potent polyphenol antioxidants that help relieve the stress and inflammation associated with an upper respiratory tract infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brewing the extract into a tea or adding the extracted oil to a humidifier before going to sleep provides relief from your symptoms. The licorice’s glycyrrhizin offers an amazing healing and anti-inflammatory effect to the airways, soothing the irritation. The licorice root extract’s anti-microbial effect helps to eliminate any pathogens lurking in the respiratory tract, killing off the source of the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it’s important to note that a respiratory tract infection could be a sign of another disease; visit your doctor or testing center for diagnosis. The physician or medical attendant takes a swab of your nasal cavity to determine what virus is responsible for your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Protect Teeth Against Cavities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your smile is an important asset to the first impression you make with people. If you have bad breath or stained teeth, you’re not going to set the best impression with new people. When the bacteria <\/a>in your mouth start to get out of hand, it leads to the onset of bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consuming licorice extract tea can help to reduce the levels of bad bacteria in your mouth, stopping bad breath in its tracks. The glycyrrhizin in licorice root also helps with eliminating the bacteria that cause cavities. Adding some licorice root extract to your oral hygiene routine can protect your teeth, ensuring you don’t make as many trips to the dentist over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study of schoolchildren consuming lollipops containing 15mg of licorice root extract showed the kids reduced the presence of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth, the primary cause of cavities. Other studies show licorice root extract is effective in protecting teeth against the bacteria linked to tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Manage Blood Sugar Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

America has the highest level of obesity in its population than any other country in the world. The overconsumption of sugar products and fast food means many Americans are obese or overweight. Obesity <\/a>causes many other health disorders in affected individuals, and diabetes is one of the most common complications of obesity. This blood sugar disorder affects the pancreas and its normal production of the hormone insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insulin is critical in managing your blood sugar levels, and individuals that have consistently high blood sugar levels are at risk of the pancreas losing its insulin sensitivity. As a result, patients develop the onset of diabetes. More than 34-million Americans live with diabetes, and a further 88-million American adults have symptoms associated with prediabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to research, consuming licorice root extract may show more benefit in maintaining blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. A daily dose of licorice root extract helped enhance kidney function and blood sugar regulation in a study in rats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there is no clinical evidence of this in human beings, it shows promise as a natural alternative for assisting with managing and preventing diabetes in affected individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Alleviate Menopause Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Menopause <\/a>marks the end of fertility in women. It occurs 12-months after a woman has her last period. It’s common for menopause to occur in women in their 40s or 50s, with the average age for menopause being 51 in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Menopause causes many disturbing symptoms in affected individuals. Hot flashes and emotional outbursts are a few of the symptoms associated with hormone production change during menopause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the months leading up to the start of menopause may present affected individuals with the following symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n