Liquorice Root

Liquorice Root Liquorice. You likely know it as a candy and either love it, or hate it – there’s usually no in-between.

Whether you love it or hate it, what you may not know about Liquorice Root, is that it’s more than just a candy, and it even has some health benefits.

Want to find out what these health benefits are? Read on.

What is Liquorice Root?

Liquorice Root is a herb, which has been known for its beneficial properties, for thousands of years. It has been used to treat a number of ailments. Due to its sweet flavour, it’s also used in medications to mask their unpleasant flavor.¹

These days, Liquorice is available in many forms like tea, candy, powder, capsules with the dried herb and liquid extract, but there are still many health benefits to liquorice root too.

What are the Health Benefits of Liquorice Root?

In the past, researchers said that Liquorice Root does not have many medicinal effects and only shows minor improvements in ailments. However, recent studies have found promising results in benefiting many health conditions. Take a look:

Skin Health

Liquorice Root is quite useful for the skin and may help prevent or treat eczema, a condition that causes itching, redness, and inflammation. Some studies demonstrated that roots and leaves of the plant might help overcome skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis and folliculitis.²Another study found that the ethanol extract of Liquorice possesses potent antioxidant activity and prevents ageing.³

Digestive System Regulation

Liquorice Root extract contains glabridin and glabrene; both are flavonoids, that can help prevent stomach discomfort. In addition to this, the root extract helps reduce nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and heartburn.⁴Some studies found Liquorice Root is effective against stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter Pylori, as the plant has powerful antibacterial properties. The extract combined with standard prescribed treatment improved the condition of patients with gastric and peptic ulcers significantly. ⁴In modern medicine, Liquorice Root extract is used for ulcer treatment and as an alternative to bismuth that has a protective role against acid and pepsin secretions by covering the site of a lesion and promoting the mucous secretion.⁵

Liver Health

Liquorice Root is a potent remedy for various liver diseases, due to its glycyrrhizin content that helps treat liver viruses and inhibits inflammatory processes.⁶Glycyrrhizin demonstrates antimicrobial activity against hepatitis C in laboratory conditions. Though it is still early to say, researchers think that in future, Liquorice Root may find a role in the treatment of Hepatitis C and other liver infections too.⁷

Antiviral Effects

Another benefit of the glycyrrhizin content found in Liquorice Root, is that it is an active antiviral compound. This means that Liquorice Root has a positive effect against HIV, Coxsackievirus, Enterovirus, Herpes simplex virus, and H5N1 (highly pathogenic avian influenza).⁶How exactly? Well, glycyrrhizin weakens virus activity inhibiting viral gene expression and replication; it reduces adhesion force and reduces protein binding to DNA6. It’s important to note that it isn’t a substitution to conventional treatment. When added to conventional antiviral therapy however, Liquorice Root may potentiate its effect.⁶

Oral Health

Liquorice Root has cavity-fighting power, and it may help kill oral bacteria that causes tooth decay. This ability is proven in the laboratory and means it may be used for better oral health.⁸Along with this, Liquorice Root is used in various edibles, medicines and tobacco to mask flavour or offensive breath.⁸

Antibacterial Effect

Liquorice root is also used as an antibacterial remedy, especially against respiratory problems (sore throats and bronchitis). It also helps produce healthy mucus in the body and helps the bronchial system to function properly.²

Stress Reducing Benefits

Liquorice is an adaptogenic herb (non-toxic plant) and supports the adrenal glands. This in turn, helps the body manage stress.⁹Liquorice Root stimulates the activity of the adrenal glands, promoting a healthy level of adrenaline and cortisol in the body.⁹

Is Liquorice Root Safe?

Generally, Liquorice Root is safe, but like anything there are risks and possible side effects such as, high blood pressure, swelling and heartbeat irregularities.¹⁰Thus, people with heart problems should consult a medical professional before using the remedy.

Prolonged use of Liquorice Root may lower potassium levels in the body, causing weakening of muscles.

Children and pregnant women are advised to avoid Liquorice Root.

Want to try adding some liquorice root into your health regime? Speak to your health professional to find out how it could help you.

Properties

Adaptogen³
Adrenal Support³
Anti-Aging³
Anti-Bacterial²
Anti-Inflammatory³
Anti-Stress⁹
Antiviral⁶
Arthritis³
Cancer Prevention³
Constipation⁴^,⁵
Cough⁶
Demulcent⁵
Diarrhea⁵
Digestive Function⁴^,⁵
Digestive Restoration⁴^,⁵
Expectorant⁶^,⁸
Helicobacter Pilori⁴
High/Good Levels of Flavonoids¹
Immune Booster¹
Laxative⁵
Liver Health⁶^,⁷
Nausea⁵
Oral Health⁸
Painful Urination⁶
Prebiotic¹^,²
Respiratory Support⁶
Sedative⁹
Skin Issues²^,³
Ulcer Support⁴

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