What Is Licorice Root?
Family: Fabaceae (beans)
Scientific Names: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Common Names: Licorice, Russian licorice, Spanish licorice, shao-yao-gan-cao-tang, gan Cao (Chinese), bois doux (French), lakrids (Danish), kanzo (Japanese), lakritzenwurzel (German), Glycyrrhizae radix, licochalcone-A, Glycyrrhizae extractum crudum, Succens liquiritiae, Liquiriti radix.
Licorice root is native to Asia, southern and central Russia, and the Mediterranean. Many species are grown throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Licorice has glycyrrhizic acid that may cause complications when taken in large amounts. Botanically, it is not related to star anise, fennel, and anise, which are comprised of similar flavoring compounds. Most licorice root is used add flavor to tobacco, especially US blend cigarettes that licorice adds a distinctive flavor and a natural sweetness. Licorice flavors are also used to add to candies or sweeteners, especially in some Middle Eastern and European countries. When it comes to the benefits of licorice root on health and beauty, it is definitely a very long list. If you want to discover this list, check it out on the Effectiveremedies.com site.
What Are The Benefits Of Licorice Root & Uses On Health & Beauty?
Licorice root contains a lot of flavonoids and essential nutrients. Besides, it also has a good amount of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin E. It offers essential minerals, including calcium, choline, phosphorus, iron, potassium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and silicon and essential phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin, glycyrrhizin, thymol, phenol, quercitin, and ferulic acid.
In Chinese medicine, the anti-inflammatory properties of licorice have been used as a great treatment for coughs and colds, female reproductive issues, and gastrointestinal problems for centuries. According to a study in The Lancet, June 2003, licorice root was found to prevent the growth of the SARS virus.
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In the book “The Green Pharmacy” of James Duke, licorice is also useful in preventing tooth decay, curing arthritis, athlete’s foot, asthma, baldness, dandruff, canker sores, body odor, colds and flu, chronic fatigue syndrome, cough, depression, fungal infections, emphysema, gingivitis, gout, HIV infection, heartburn, liver problems, menopause, prostate enlargement, Lyme disease, psoriasis, shingles, tendonitis, sore throat, viral infections, yeast infections, and ulcers.
1. Beauty Benefits Of Licorice Root – Remove Freckles
Mix half a tsp. of licorice extract with 4 tsp. of jojoba oil and then store it in a clean bottle. Next, apply this mixture to the affected skin with a clean cotton ball. After that, wait for 30 minutes before cleaning the skin with water. Repeat this way daily.
2. Treat Motion Sickness
Consuming licorice helps to reduce and control the symptoms of motion sickness for anyone. Or, you may chew licorice candy to avoid the feeling of uncomfortable during your travelling.
3. Beauty Benefits Of Licorice Root – Whiten Skin
There are two methods using licorice to whiten the skin. All you need to do is to take licorice extract, tomato, cucumber, sandalwood, and lemon. To get the detailed recipe, click at the Skin Whitening Tip No. 1
4. Treat HPV Infection
Simply, crush a piece of the licorice root and apply this crushed piece directly to your affected skin areas for several days.
5. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Get Rid Of Corns
Firstly, mix 1 tbsp. of licorice powder and a little mustard oil to form a thick paste. Next, apply the paste to your affected area before going to sleep. Now, secure it with a bandage and leave it for overnight to remove the bandage. Then, wash this area with warm water. Repeat this method nightly.
6. Treat Mouth Ulcers
You need prepare licorice root and clean water for this treatment. You can get the detailed recipe at Mouth Ulcers Remedy No. 1
7. Benefits Of Licorice Root – Relieve Shingles Pain
Firstly, mix 1 tsp. of licorice powder and a little water to form a good paste. Next, apply this paste to your affected area and then let it be dry. Now, rinse it off. Do this way 2 or 3 times a day. Or, brew a tea from the licorice root, let it cool before dabbing it on your affected area. Do it for 3 to 4 times a day.
8. Treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Simmer the dried licorice root in the boiling water for 10 minutes and then strain it. Now, drink this tea 2 to 3 times a day within a few weeks. Or, you may also take licorice supplements after asking your doctor.
9. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Earaches
The paste of the licorice roots, min, ghee or clarified butter may also help you to treat earaches effectively. To get the detailed recipe, click at the Earaches Remedy No. 14
10. Treat Atopic Dermatitis
You can use licorice tea or cream to deal with this problem. You should drink licorice tea for 2 to 3 times daily to reduce the signs of atopic dermatitis quickly.
11. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Swollen Glands
Firstly, mix 1 cup of the dried licorice root, 1/4 cup of the dried chamomile flowers, 2 to 3 tbsp. of whole cloves, and half a cup of cinnamon chips and then store it in a jar. When using it, you get 2 to 3 tbsp. of this mixture and some cups of cold water. Then, put them into a clean pan and boil it over medium heat. Now, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Finally, pour this tea into a mug and strain it before drinking it.
12. Grow Thick Hair
To get a thick & long hair, you just need to combine licorice, milk, & saffron. You will get detailed instructions for using licorice root at How To Grow Thick Hair Tip No. 17
13. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Heartburn
Simply, chew slowly a small piece of the licorice root before your meals to reduce inflammation. This helps to heal heartburn & ulcers and prevent the growth of harmful stomach bacteria.
See more: Best Natural Home Remedies For Heartburn Relief
14. Relieve Diverticulitis Pain
Simply, add licorice root powder to a cup of water and mix them well. Then, boil the mixture for several minutes, strain, and have it before your meals for 30 minutes. You can repeat this method 2 to 3 times a day.
15. Benefits Of Licorice On Health – Treat Chest Congestion
There are two ways that use licorice to treat chest congestion. All you need to do is to take licorice root, hot water, & ginger powder. For the detailed recipes, click at the Chest Congestion Remedy No. 17
16. Treat Stomach Pain
Firstly, add 1 tsp. each of licorice and fennel to a cup of tepid water. Then, steep them for a few minutes. Now, strain this tea and have it. Or, you may also consume a cup of licorice tea whenever having tummy pain.
See more: Natural Home Remedies For Upset Stomach In Adults
17. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Hot Flashes
According to a preliminary study in the “Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research” in 2012, licorice root has a beneficial effect on menopausal hot flashes. You can consume 1/2 tsp. of licorice powder with water 2 times a day. Or, you may also make licorice tea by adding 5 g of the crushed licorice root to 1 cup of boiling water, boiling it, straining, and drinking it 2 times a day.
18. Benefits Of Licorice – Treat Rosacea
You may make a mask including licorice, honey, & aloe vera to treat rosacea. To know how to use licorice root for rosacea, click at the Rosacea Remedy No. 11
19. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Calluses
Combine 1 tsp. each of licorice powder & mustard oil to form a thick paste. Then, apply this paste directly to the callus. Next, wait for 20 minutes and wash the paste by using tepid water. Repeat this method twice to thrice daily to treat calluses on the feet.
20. Control Hair Fall
Combine licorice root, milk, & saffron to form a paste. Next, apply the paste to the scalp and then cover your hair. After that, leave it overnight. Shampoo your hair with water in the morning.
Learn more: Best Natural Home Remedies For Hair Fall Control & Treatment
21. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
You can use licorice in the tea or extract form to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. However, remember to consult a doctor before using this herb. You can get the detailed directions at Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Remedy No. 33
22. Treat Hoarseness
Boil 1 tsp. of the dried licorice root in 1 cup of clean water for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and have this tea 3 times a day. Another option, you may try licorice lozenges for this treatment.
23. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Dry Throat
To treat a dry throat with licorice root, add 1 tbsp. of licorice to 1 cup of boiling water. Now, steep it for several minutes and have this 2 or 3 times daily. This helps to relieve the symptoms of dryness.
24. Relieve Heartburn
According to a study in the “Journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”, licorice extract is very effective in preventing dyspepsia, which includes heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and stomachache. So, you should take 1 licorice tablet before each meal. That aids you in relieving heartburn. Or, you can also use licorice powder to treat heartburn. You can get the detailed recipe at Heartburn Relief Remedy No. 18
25. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Acid Reflux
Simply, add 4 to 5 licorice roots to 1/2 liter of hot water to make a tea. Steep it for several minutes and then drink it during the day. You may also drink this tea every day.
See more: Natural Home Remedies For Acid Reflux Relief In Stomach
26. Treat Genital Herpes
Combine 1 tbsp. of licorice powder with 1/2 tbsp. of water. Next, dab it on the affected area and keep it for several hours. Follow this method 3 or 4 times daily. Another option, apply a thin coat of licorice extract or cream to your affected areas for instant relief.
27. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Ulcers In Stomach
Licorice, when mixed with cooked broken rice & water, helps you to treat ulcers in the stomach. For the detailed recipe, click at the Ulcers In Stomach Remedy No. 7
28. Treat Tonsillitis
Boil 2 cups of clean water and add some licorice root to it. Now, simmer it for 15 minutes. Now, drink this water while it is warm. Repeat this method twice daily.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Tonsillitis Pain
29. Benefits Of Licorice Root On Health – Treat Anal Itching
Firstly, roast licorice, cardamom, & myrobalan. Next, grind them into a powder and combine 1/4 tsp. of this powder with 1 tsp. of honey in 1 cup of clean water. Finally, drink it once daily until you get relief from the symptoms.
30. Treat Low Blood Pressure
Licorice contains a lot of beneficial properties that is very effective in treating low blood pressure. To get the detailed recipe, click at the Low Blood Pressure Remedy No. 11
31. Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Jock Itch
Firstly, add 6 tsp. of the dried licorice powder to 1 cup of hot water and stir it thoroughly. Then, bring this water to a boil for several minutes and simmer it for 10 or 15 minutes. After that, dip a clean cotton ball in this concoction and then apply it to the affected areas. Repeat this way for at least 2 times per day.
32. Treat Measles
To treat measles, add 1/2 tbsp. each of licorice and honey to 1 glass of tepid water. Now, stir them well and consume this mixture. Repeat this way once per day.
33. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Canker Sores
According to a study conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry, using an adhesive patch that is medicated with licorice extract on the canker sores can help to treat this problem within 7 days. You may also use raw licorice root juice to deal with this issue. For more information about the remedy for canker sores with licorice root, click at the Canker Sores Remedy No. 14
34. Treat Bronchitis
Firstly, crush the dried licorice root into a powder. Then, combine 1 tsp. of this powder with 1 cup of clean water. Next, boil this mixture for at least 10 minutes. Now, strain the mixture and cool it down. Drink the solution twice a day within a week.
Learn more: Natural Home Remedies For Bronchitis In Adults & Children
35. Benefits Of Licorice Root – Whiten Teeth
To use licorice root for white teeth, you simply chew one small piece of the dried licorice root. This also helps to get rid of stains.
See more: Natural Home Remedies To Whiten Teeth Naturally & Fast
36. Relieve Gastritis Pain
Just take licorice powder and water and you have a solution for gastritis pain. For the detailed recipes, click at the Gastritis Pain Remedy No. 14
37. Benefits Of Licorice Root – Remove Phlegm
Firstly, add 1 tsp. of the dried licorice root to 1 cup of water and then bring it to a boil. Next, strain this decoction and have it 3 times daily. This decoction aids in reducing phlegm in the throat and relieve the throat quickly.
38. Benefits Of Licorice – Treat Cold Sores
Some studies also show that an ingredient in licorice root called glycyrrhizic acid helps to kill the cold sore virus. Sprinkle a little licorice powder on the cold sores. Or, mix a little licorice powder and a small amount of pure vegetable shortening to form a cream. Now, apply it to the cold sores.
39. Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Fever Blisters
Licorice root powder, when mixed with clean water, is very effective in treating fever blisters. You may get detailed instructions at Fever Blisters Remedy No. 11
40. Treat Liver Damage
According to a study in the journal of Phytotherapy Research in 2012, licorice root extract aids in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Simply, crush licorice roots into a fine powder. Mix this powder with a little of boiling water to make a tea. Wait for a couple of minutes and sip it on.
41. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Weight Loss
According to a study in the journal of “Obesity Research & Clinical Practice” in 2009, licorice flavonoid oil aids in reducing visceral fat and total body fat in overweight people. People who consumed 900 mg of licorice flavonoid oil daily for 2 months reduced visceral fat, body weight, body mass index, and bad cholesterol.
In another research, people reduce the body fat significantly after getting 3 grams of the extract of licorice root daily for 2 months. However, the consumption of licorice should be followed for a long period of time.
Learn more: Best Natural Home Remedies For Weight Loss Fast
42. Treat Depression
You may drink licorice tea daily or use licorice powder to treat depression. For the detailed usages, click at the Depression Remedy No. 34
43. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Treat Arthritis
According to a study in the “Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology” in 2010, the anti-inflammatory properties of licorice and the roasted licorice extract are effective in preventing and curing arthritis. To relieve arthritis pain & inflammation, have several cups of licorice tea a day or take a licorice supplement after asking a doctor for advice.
See more: Natural Home Remedies For Arthritis Pain
44. Relieve Sore Throat Pain
To treat a sore throat, you need to take the chopped licorice root, whole cloves, cinnamon chips, cold water, and chamomile flowers. You can get the detailed directions at Sore Throat Pain Remedy No. 10
45. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Support Oral Health
The antibacterial & antimicrobial properties of licorice can inhibit the growth of bacteria causing a cavity, fight bad breath, reduce plaque, and keep the gums & teeth healthy and strong. According to a study in the “Journal of Natural Products – American Chemical Society Publications” in 2012, researchers confirmed the benefits of licorice root for oral health. In another study in the Anaerobe journal in 2012, licorice root extract is used in many oral hygiene products, including mouthwash and toothpaste.
You may brush the teeth with the dried licorice root powder or gargle with a mouthwash including licorice to support oral health.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Toothache Pain Relief
46. Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Simply, add 1/2 tsp. of the licorice root powder to 1 cup of water and boil it. Strain and have this herbal tea 15 to 20 minutes before each meal in the day. Use this method 2 to 3 times daily for 7 days or until this problem is improved.
47. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Relieve A Cough
To relieve a cough, you need to take the licorice root, dried thyme, mullein, peppermint, boiling water, and honey. If you want to know how to use licorice root for coughs, click at the Cough Relief Remedy No. 6
48. Treat Asthma
Add 2 tsp. of licorice powder to one cup of hot water. Next, cover it and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then, strain and add honey to the tea. Finally, stir them and have it. You should consume it for once daily when having asthma.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Asthma Attack Fast In Adults
49. Health Benefits Of Licorice Root – Relieve Strep Throat
For relieving strep throat, you will need the chopped licorice root, whole cloves, cinnamon chips, and chamomile flowers. You can get the detailed recipe at Strep Throat Relief Remedy No. 34
50. Treat Diabetes
According to a study in 2011, licorice root helps to relieve the symptoms of diabetes in the rats. The researchers also concluded that this root may become a potential candidate to treat this disease naturally in the future.
Learn more: Effective And Natural Home Remedies For Diabetes
51. Benefits Of Licorice Root – Stop Wheezing
Firstly, crush a licorice root and then soak the root pieces in 2 cups of very hot water. Let it steep for several minutes. To treat wheezing in children, you should give this tea to your child daily for several weeks.
52. Treat Eczema
You need to prepare the dried licorice root, and water for treating eczema. To get the detailed recipe, click at the Eczema Remedy No. 21
53. Benefits Of Licorice Root On Health – Treat Lung Congestion
Mix 1/2 tsp. of the licorice root with 1 cup of hot water. Next, cover and steep it for about 10 minutes. Now, strain it and add a little honey to it. Finally, have this warm tea 2 to 3 times daily. Or, add 1/2 tsp. of licorice powder & 1/2 tsp. of ginger powder to one cup of very hot water. Drink this solution 2 times a day.
What Are The Side Effects Of Using Licorice Root?
Licorice seems to be safe for most people to take by mouth in amounts in foods. Licorice seems to be safe to take by mouth in a larger amount for medicinal purposes and to apply to the skin for short periods of time. However, it seems to be unsafe to take by mouth in a large amount for more than 1 month or in a smaller amount for a long term. Consumption of licorice daily for a few weeks or more can cause some side effects such as low potassium levels, high blood pressure, weakness, occasionally brain damage, and paralysis. In people who suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease or consume a lot of salt just 5 grams a day can also cause these side effects.
Other adverse effects of using licorice root are tiredness, headache, an absence of a menstrual cycle in women, decreased sexual function & interest in men, and water and sodium retention.
People who often chew tobacco including licorice as a flavor might get high blood pressure and some other serious adverse effects.
Special Precautions And Warnings:
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Licorice is completely unsafe to take by mouth during pregnancy. High consumption of this root during pregnancy, about 250 g per week, gives you a higher risk of early delivery or a miscarriage. Although there isn’t still enough reliable evidence about the safety of using licorice when you are breastfeeding, it is better to avoid using it.
Hormone-sensitive conditions including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis: Licorice may work as estrogen in the body. So, if you suffer from any condition that is made worse by exposing estrogen, avoid using licorice.
Heart disease: Licorice may cause water retention in the body, which may worsen the congestive heart failure. Licorice may also give you an increased risk of irregular heartbeat. Avoid consuming licorice root if you suffer from heart disease.
High blood pressure: Licorice may increase blood pressure. Avoid consuming it in large amounts if you suffer from high blood pressure.
A low potassium level in the blood: Licorice root can reduce potassium in the blood. So, if your potassium level is already low, it may make it lower. Avoid consuming licorice if you suffer from this condition.
A muscle condition caused due to nerve problems: Licorice may reduce the levels of potassium in the blood. This makes hypertonia worse. Avoid using licorice if you suffer from hypertonia.
Sexual problems in men: This root can reduce the interest of a man in sex and make erectile dysfunction worse by reducing the level of a hormone named testosterone.
Kidney disease: An excessive usage of the licorice root may worsen kidney disease. Avoid consuming it.
Surgery: Licorice may interfere with the control of blood pressure during & after surgery. Stop using it at least 14 days before a surgery.
Where To Buy Licorice Root?
You may find licorice root at herbal food stores in many forms such as the powdered, dried, tablets, liquid extracts, capsules, gels, tea, and ointments. Besides, deglycyrrhizinated licorice also helps to treat many health conditions that can be worsened by glycyrrhizin in this root.
Here is the long list of beauty & health benefits of licorice root, uses, and side effects that you should not miss. If you want to learn more the benefits of other ingredients, please visit our Superfoods page.
References:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/licoriceroot
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/licorice
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0067947
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24250477
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2010/709378/
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3728/abstract
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