Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice
Root Benefits
Licorice root has an impressive list of well documented uses and is
probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal remedies. It is used for
many ailments including asthma, athlete's foot, baldness, body odour, bursitis,
canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff,
emphysema, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections,
fungal infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis,
shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections,
prostate enlargement and arthritis.
Licorice root contains many anti-depressant compounds and is an
excellent alternative to St. John's Wort. As a herbal medicine it has an
impressive list of well documented uses and is probably one of the most
over-looked of all herbal wonders. Licorice is useful for many ailments
including asthma, athlete's foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores,
chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema,
gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal
infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis,
shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections,
prostate enlargement and arthritis.
Hundreds of potentially healing substances have been identified in
licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant
estrogens (phytoestrogens). The herb's key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin
(which is 50 times sweeter than sugar) exerts numerous beneficial effects on
the body, making licorice a valuable herb for treating a host of ailments. It
seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body's
primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone), making these hormones more available
to the body.
It has a well-documented reputation for healing ulcers. It can lower
stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild
laxative.
It can also be used for irritation, inflammation and spasm in the
digestive tract. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile
flow and lowers cholesterol levels.
Licorice also appears to enhance immunity by boosting levels of
interferon, a key immune system chemical that fights off attacking viruses. It
also contains powerful antioxidants as well as certain phytoestrogens that can
perform some of the functions of the body's natural estrogens; very helpful
during the menopause. Glycyrrhizinic acid also seems to stop the growth of many
bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A.
In the respiratory system it has a similarly soothing and healing
action, reducing irritation and inflammation and has an expectorant effect,
useful in irritating coughs, asthma and chest infections.
It has an aspirin-like action and is helpful in relieving fevers and
soothing pain such as headaches. Its anti-allergenic effect is very useful for
hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. Possibly by
its action on the adrenal glands, licorice has the ability to improve
resistance to stress. It should be thought of during times of both physical and
emotional stress, after surgery or during convalescence, or when feeling tired
and run down.
Licorice with glycyrrhizin may help to:
Control
respiratory problems and sore throat. Licorice eases congestion and coughing by
helping to loosen and thin mucus in airways; this makes a cough more
"productive," bringing up phlegm and other mucus bits. Licorice also
helps to relax bronchial spasms. The herb also soothes soreness in the throat
and fights viruses that cause respiratory illnesses and an overproduction of
mucus.
Lessen
symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. By enhancing cortisol
activity, glycyrrhizin helps to increase energy, ease stress and reduce the
symptoms of ailments sensitive to cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue
syndrome and fibromylagia.
Combat
hepatitis. Licorice both protects the liver and promotes healing in this vital
organ. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties help calm hepatitis-associated
liver inflammation. Licorice also fights the virus commonly responsible for
hepatitis and supplies valuable antioxidant compounds that help maintain the
overall health of the liver.
Treat PMS
and menstrual problems. The phytoestrogens in licorice have a mild estrogenic
effect, making the herb potentially useful in easing certain symptoms of PMS
(premenstrual syndrome), such as irritability, bloating and breast tenderness.
Although the glycyrrhizin in licorice actually inhibits the effect of the
body's own estrogens, the mild estrogenic effect produced by licorice's
phytoestrogens manages to override this inhibiting action.
Prevent
heart disease. Recent studies have found that by limiting the damage from LDL
("bad") cholesterol, licorice may discourage artery-clogging plaque
formation and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart. Research
indicates that modest doses of licorice (100 mg a day) have this effect.
Toxicity
Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice
candy is known to be toxic to
the liver and cardiovascular
system, and may producehypertension and edema.
In occasional cases blood pressure has
increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are
rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn.
Most cases of hypertension from
liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy. Doses as low as 50 grams (2 oz)
of liquorice daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.
The European
Commission 2008 report
suggested that “people should not consume any more than 100mg of glycyrrhizic acid a day, for it can raise blood pressure or cause muscle weakness, chronic
fatigue, headaches or swelling, and lower testosterone levels in men.” Haribo, manufacturer of Pontefract cakes,
stated: “Haribo advises, as with any other food, liquorice products should be
eaten in moderation.”
A 56-year-old Yorkshire woman
was hospitalized after liquorice overdose (200 grams or 7 ounces a day), which
caused muscle failure. The hospital restored her potassium levels,
by intravenous drip and tablets, allowing her to recover after 4 days.
Comparative studies of pregnant women suggest that
liquorice may also adversely affect both IQ and behaviour traits of offspring
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For dry and irritating cough, use about 5 slices and boil with about 1 litre of water.
Add a pinch of salt.
It is sweet and drink it warm for best results.
I noted that it form a coating to sooth the lining of the throat and ease coughing.
Like everything good, a balance should be observe and do not overdose yourself.
Readers can go find more from the web too. Please don't take my word as the Absolute Truth as everyone has a different constitution and what agree with me might not agree with you.
Amituofo / Lotuschef / Pure Karma / True Buddha School
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