Background
One of the most important organs in our body is digestive system. It is responsible for the function of digestion including breaking down and absorption of food. There are different parts in digestive system such as esophagus, stomach, large and small intestines and many other parts. This system converts food and drinks into substances that our body can use for energy, growth and tissue repair. These chemicals enter the blood stream.
Digestive system plays a critical role in our body and health. There are various ways to help the function of digestion. For treatment of digestive disorders, a large variety of cures and drugs exist. However, a desire to herbal remedies and medicines has developed in recent years.
In this article we discuss licorice effects on digestive system.
What is licorice?
Licorice is a popular and well-known herb which is used worldwide. It creates pleasant aroma and taste in food and drinks. Furthermore, licorice in traditional medicine is an efficient and useful herbal remedy. Its use in culinary and traditional medicine dates back to ancient times. It grows wild in regions like Europe, Africa and Asia including Iran. Licorice is used in various industries like confectionery, food and beverages, candy and chocolate, pharmaceutical, tobacco, cosmetics etc.
Licorice affects our body in many positive ways. It treats sore throat, cough, skin problems like eczema and psoriasis, respiratory disorders like asthma. It protects oral and dental health against bacteria and viruses. It helps our digestive system in different ways.
In the following section we consider that how licorice affects our digestive system.
Licorice Effects on Digestive System
There are different compounds in licorice like flavonoids. Glabrene and Glabridin are among these flavonoids. These factors are useful in curing heartburn, stomachache, nausea.
Licorice in various forms may be used to treat some digestive problems. Glycyrrhizin which is an active compound in licorice root helps to heal stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. It can be useful in treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Peptic ulcers are painful sores in intestine and stomach. They are caused by inflammation with bacteria. Licorice root and its glycyrrhizin are useful in treating peptic ulcers.
Acid reflux plays an important role in food digestion; but it can be annoying when it goes up the esophagus and causes pain and heartburn. Taking licorice controls acid reflux and prevents heartburn.
- pylori is the bacteria causing the inflammation that leads to peptic ulcers. The glycyrrhizin in licorice can heal the sores and H. pylori. Licorice enhances the secretion of serotonin and prostaglandins in stomach which leads to disinflation.
Provided by: Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co.
Edited by: Meysam Shokripour, CEO of Sepidan Osareh Jonoon Co.
References : iranlicorice.com
