Licorice, an Herbal Treatment for Diseases

Licorice plant grows in different regions of the world such as Asia, Europe and Africa. It grows wild. Licorice has been considered as a magical herb in traditional medicine. It has numerous benefits for our body and health. It is an effective remedy for digestive disorders, peptic ulcers, skin diseases, sore throat, cough, liver disorders, respiratory problems and many others.

Licorice contains vitamins B and E and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, sterols, amino acids etc. Licorice has got isoflavonoid, flavonoid and saponin. Glycyrrhizin is the main component of licorice. It is the agent of sweetness in licorice

It is popular in different industries like cosmetics, confectionery, food and beverages, medicines, and tobacco.

In this article, Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co. discusses licorice, an herbal treatment for diseases.

Licorice Treats Digestive Disorders

There is a component in licorice called glycyrrhizin, which is useful in treatment of stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. licorice in various forms is used to treat some digestive problems. It can be useful in treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Peptic ulcers in intestine and stomach are caused by inflammation with bacteria. Licorice root and its glycyrrhizin are useful in treating peptic ulcers. Licorice due to some flavonoids like Glabridin and Glabrene, has positive effects on soothing stomach disorders such as stomach pain and heartburn. H.pylori is the bacteria causing the inflammation that leads to peptic ulcers. The glycyrrhizin in licorice can heal the sores and H. pylori. 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.  Licorice enhances the secretion of serotonin and prostaglandins in stomach which leads to disinflation.

How Licorice Affect Cancer

Using licorice has positive effects on cancer. It can slow down the growth of cancer in body. It also relieves the pain of chemotherapy treatment. As a result of chemotherapy, some sores in patients’ mouth appear that they are painful and irritating. Taking licorice can ease this pain.

Licorice and Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C causes inflammation and liver damage if it isn’t cured for a long time. Glycyrrhizin in licorice root fight against this disease and may be helpful in its treatment. One study on rats prove that licorice extract is able to prevent liver oxidative injury. Actually, it acts as a chemo preventive and has a positive effect on hepatic damage.

Licorice, an Herbal Treatment for Polycystic Ovary and Menopause

One of the menopausal symptoms is the feeling of sudden warmth in women’s face, neck and chest. The skin becomes red and starts to sweat. This causes a kind of uncomfortable and annoying condition which women constantly complain about. Research on menopausal women indicates that licorice root positively affects reducing hot flushes. One survey proved that licorice decreases serum testosterone. So, it is a proper remedy for hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Licorice Effect on Obesity

Some studies show that licorice affect weight loss. Researches show that licorice decreases body fat mass. In one study there were 15 female participants who took 3.5 g licorice per day for 2 months. In these participants, body mass index (BMI) was fixed during this period. ECW (percentage of total body water) increased and body fat mass (BFM) was reduced. plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone were stopped. This study showed that licorice can reduce fat by inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 at the level of fat cells.

Licorice and Respiratory Diseases

A few studies show that Glycyrrhizic, Asiatic and Oleanolic acids in licorice root can slow the progress of bronchitis.

Licorice root has been widely used to treat bronchial asthma for many years. One study on mice showed that glycyrrhizin can improve all established chronic histopathologic changes of lung.

Airway inflammation is a common problem in respiratory related diseases such as asthma. Licorice has some anti-inflammatory compounds that are helpful in treatment of these sicknesses.

Licorice Reduces Cough and Sore Throat

Licorice has been used for curing cough and sore throat for a long time. It was mostly consumed in the form of tea and herbal drink.

In some surgeries a breathing tube should be put inside patients’ throats. After operation patients usually have a pain in their throats. Using licorice lozenges may soothe this pain. Licorice in the form of tea, lozenge, spray is very common to soothe sore throat.

Licorice Effects on Oral and Dental Health

Some plants have been used for oral and dental health for a long period of time. Licorice is one of these plants. Since it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties, it is proper for dental diseases like: aphthous ulcers, gingivitis, dental caries, periodontitis. It prevents cavity and tooth decay by fighting against special bacteria.

The Effect of Licorice on Skin and Hair

Licorice extract prevents infection and contamination on the skin surface and keeps it clean. Licorice contains a substance which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and is effective in treating acne, eczema and psoriasis. On the other hand, this plant reduces skin sensitivity and redness.

Licorice acts as a powerful agent in controlling pigments. Hyperpigmentation is caused by the abnormal collection of pigments, making some dullness and blemishes appear on the surface of skin. Using licorice is a proper solution for this problem. Licorice root has many benefits for hair and one of them is the treatment of dryness and oily scalp.

licorice is used for sensitive skin and to treat dandruff. It can prevent hair loss and make our hair grow faster. It prevents thinning hair strands. It is also used to repair damaged and colored hair.

Written and Edited by: Meysam Shokripour (Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Company)

References :: iranlicorice.com