Licorice, also called licorice root or glycyrrhizin, is a medicinal plant of the carrot family, Fabaceae.
Licorice comes in many different varieties, including sweet and bitter root, extract, tea, capsules and powders, as well as a sweet candy (licorice). Licorice has been used for many years to treat various conditions, including appetite control, colds, fever, nausea, insomnia, as well as digestive complaints such as indigestion and gastric reflux.
Sweet licorice root can be eaten raw or added to salads, as well as adding to soups or stir-fry. Licorice root can also be drunk as a beverage. Licorice root is often combined with other herbs and spices such as ginger, Cayenne, and lemon pepper. It is usually mixed with honey and other sweeteners for added sweetness. Licorice root can also be combined with a cup of water and a few drops of lemon to make a refreshing herbal tea.
Licorice roots are one of the most widely-known forms of glycyrrhizin. This glycyrrhizin glycoside is naturally present in Licorice roots but is destroyed by heat during the distillation process. Licorice extract, on the other hand, is unaffected by heat. Licorice extract is often mixed with glycyrrhizin glycosides to form a potent glycyrrhizin, known as Licorice extract.
Some studies have also found that Licorice root may help to protect the liver from liver failure, in part due to alcohol intake. In the same vein, research also suggests that Licorice root may help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Licorice root may also be effective at treating inflammation of the prostate and bladder.
Some studies have also shown that Licorice Root may help to relieve the symptoms of ulcers, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and gallbladder pain. However, studies conducted in vitro, using human monocytes (white blood cells) and rodents have shown that Licorice may stimulate the growth of tumor cells. Therefore, Licorice should not be taken internally to treat cancer. Licorice should not be used by pregnant women, and breast-feeding women, people with bleeding disorders, AIDS patients, and people with liver or kidney disease problems.
As stated above, licorice contains glycyrrhizin glycoside, which acts as an antiseptic and an antispasmodic. However, licorice can also cause gastrointestinal irritation in some people, especially people who are allergic to licorice. For this reason, licorice should not be used by people who suffer from acid reflux, liver problems, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, bleeding disorders, kidney diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders.
When taken as a beverage or taken as a tablet, licorice can cause a burning sensation. If you have any of these conditions, speak to your health care provider before taking licorice.
In some studies, licorice has been shown to help to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol. It can reduce levels of homocysteine, the “bad” cholesterol that builds up in the blood. Licorice root can also help to increase good cholesterol levels, but may raise the level of LDL cholesterol (bad) cholesterol. This means that licorice may help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, but it cannot be guaranteed to lower the risk of heart disease.
Although studies have not shown that taking licorice root can lower the risk of cancer, there is one study that suggests that it may decrease the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer.
Other studies have shown that it can help to prevent the formation of tumors in the stomach. Licorice is also believed to reduce the incidence of gallbladder problems and liver cancer. Research also suggests that it can help to prevent the spread of colon cancer through the digestive system.
One of the most common side effects of taking licorice is skin irritation, especially when it is consumed in large doses. If you experience severe irritation or if it causes any type of rash, stop taking the product immediately. If the side effect persists, consult with your doctor and contact a qualified pharmacist for a possible replacement. If the side effect occurs frequently, you may be taking too much licorice.
Another common side effect of licorice is headache. Although there are many other known reasons for headaches, licorice has been found to be a cause of frequent headaches, particularly during the night. Because of its ability to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, some studies suggest that it may trigger a panic attack in some people. In some cases, the combination of insomnia and headaches caused by licorice may result in a sleeping disorder called insomnia.
If you experience nausea or vomiting when taking licorice, discontinue taking the supplement immediately. Licorice may also cause stomach discomfort or diarrhea. If you are taking certain medications for depression, it may affect your ability to fight infection.