Licorice, commonly thought of as an oddly flavored candy, is also a time honored herb offering numerous health and medicinal benefits. Licorice products, often misunderstood as confectionary only, can be found in plentiful supply in the local health food market. Herbs have traditionally been consumed by the health conscious as an approach to strengthening the body and healing it of disease. Licorice earned a rightful place on the herbal list for its beneficial health offerings.
It would be irresponsible to discuss the health benefits of any herb without clearly stating the importance of exercising caution in its use. The human body is a chemical factory, capable of running itself efficiently. Any time we ingest additional chemicals, even those with beneficial properties; there is danger of upsetting this balance. All herbal supplements are capable of interacting negatively with other herbs as well as prescribed medications. In that sense, licorice is no different than any other chemical agent.
Of specific importance is the potential of side effects associated with "glycyrrhizin," a chemical component of licorice that can cause potassium loss and hormonal imbalance leading to headache, fatigue, high blood pressure and heart attack. All things in moderation applies to the use of any supplement, including licorice. This "glycyrrhizine" within licorice is also largely responsible for its beneficial properties. Studies have confirmed the ability of this compound to soothe digestive system irritation, promote mucous "expectorant" production, as well as stimulate the adrenal gland in its ability to regulate the negative effects of cortisol, the stress hormone.
With the technical aspect established, let's consider the most appealing beneficial aspect of licorice, the flavor. As a result of its unusual and pleasing flavor, it is used as a flavoring in Root Beer and other beverages, as well as a flavoring to disguise the displeasing taste of various medicines. As the song would suggest, "A spoon full of licorice' as well as sugar" can be used to make the medicine go down. Licorice flavoring in root beer isn't just about the flavor. Root beer has a soothing effect on unsettled tummies because of this additive.
Licorice root has ancient uses in the prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers. Modern medicine as well recognizes its natural ability to soothe stomach distress. "Helicobacter pylori," a bacterium commonly found in the human stomach, and considered to be a contributor to stomach ulcers is disabled by the "glycyrrihizinic acid" contained in licorice. Even though too much glycyrriahzin from licorice can disrupt enzymatic action, and hormone balance, a little goes a long way in soothing mild upset stomach and in helping the digestive system to heal from the negative effects of this ulcer causing bacteria.
In moderate amounts licorice also offers soothing relief for other digestive conditions ranging from mild indigestion to irritable bowl syndrome and Chron's disease because of its anti-spasmodic effect. Licorice contains isoflavones (phytoestrogens) similar to those in Soya bean interacts with the body's endocrine system by mimicking the female hormone estrogen. As a result it has the potential of offering some relief to women experiencing menopausal symptoms and may figure into minimizing the risk of cancer in both men and women. Isoflavones, because of their similarity to female hormones, while assisting in the lowering of prostate cancer risk, can also lower a man's sperm count. Again, it is important to note that although the benefits of licorice use are many, balance is the key to its use.
Licorice tea offers soothing relief for mild sore throat, but caution should be taken in administering it to children. Herbal doses for children should always take into account their size and body weight to avoid risk of overdose. Chewing licorice root can soothe sore throat as well as provide relief for minor tooth ache associated with gum disease for adults as well as children.
Powdered licorice has been used for centuries as a natural expectorant for colds and congestion as well as in tooth powders for its ability to promote healthy gums. Chinese medicine uses licorice as an herbal formula to harmonize other ingredients within the formula. It is been suggested that licorice can also boost the auto-immune system providing benefit to those suffering from lupus and arthritis. It is presently being studied for potential impact as a treatment for human viral infection having been found to have some antiviral properties useful in HIV treatment and as a topical treatment for herpes.
Licorice is one of nature's herbal gifts to the health conscious because of the variety of benefits it offers as well as the potential for expanded benefit. Although valuable for its health benefits, anyone who has tasted it understands a little bit of licorice goes a very long way. This is true of its confectionary use as well as its medicinal use. It is important to understand its potency.