Licorice Root Health Benefits: Beneficial for Conditions from Asthma to Menopause

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used for medicinal purposes since the days of the ancient Romans. It is beneficial for a long list of ailments, some of which have been proven through scientific studies. Glycyrrhizin, one of the main components of licorice root that is believed to be the main healing ingredient, can cause serious side-effects if taken in large doses or combined with other medications. For this reason, some licorice root extract does not contain glycyrrhizin and is known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

Study Results of Licorice Root

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, scientific studies have found that licorice root with glycyrrhizin reduces inflammation, soothes irritation, promotes the loosening of mucous when coughing, protects the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, and stimulates the adrenal glands which regulate the stress hormone, cortisol. One human study found that licorice root reduced body fat when taken on a regular basis. However, licorice root can also cause a person to retain fluids because it lowers the hormone aldosterone in the system which controls the sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

Several studies found that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) along with antacids performs as well or better at treating peptic ulcers than prescription medications do. Another study found that DGL dissolved in water and gargled four times a day can relieve the pain of canker sores. Licorice root has also been found to help relieve the itching, swelling and redness of eczema when used as a topical gel on the affected area.

Another study has proven that taking licorice root mixed with peppermint and chamomile helps to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux. Licorice root has also been studied as a beneficial treatment for cough and asthma, although there were mixed results in the study. It is believed that because licorice root has the ability to repress inflammation, it is effective in relieving inflamed bronchial passage ways that can cause an asthma attack.

Other Health Benefits of Licorice Root

Although not proven by scientific studies, licorice root has been used for centuries to treat the following conditions:

• Allergies

• Chronic sinusitis

• Upper respiratory conditions

• Cough

• Depression

• Chronic fatigue

• Viral infections

• Menopause

• Pre-menstrual syndrome

• Constipation

• Fibromyalgia

• Liver disease

• Flu

• Psoriasis

• Shingles

• Sore throat

• Athlete's foot

• Baldness

• Arthritis

• Heart disease

Side-Effects of Licorice Root

Licorice root can cause serious side-effects if used in large doses, for a long period of time or by people with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain prescription medications. People who should not use licorice root are:

- Women who are pregnant or nursing

- People with heart disease, high blood pressure or who have had heart failure

- People with diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease

- People taking diuretics or any form of high blood pressure medication

- Women taking oral contraceptives

Side-effects of licorice root include fluid retention, headache, high blood pressure, fatigue, swelling of the legs and muscle pain and numbness in the arms and legs. Always check with your doctor before taking licorice root, especially if you are taking any type of prescription medication.

Licorice root can be an effective treatment for many ailments if used properly or under the care of a licensed herbalist or physician. Talk with your doctor if you think licorice root might be the right herbal remedy for you.

Source:

Licorice - University of Maryland Medical Center

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/licorice-000262.htm