Licorice: Health Benefits and Contraindications

Greens and herbs

Licorice (or sweet root) is a medicinal plant used for centuries in both Eastern and Western folk medicine. Specifically, it is used to treat bronchitis, constipation, stomach ulcers, heartburn, eczema, and menstrual cramps.

Licorice has many beneficial properties and is generally safe to use, but there are still some contraindications. Licorice is contraindicated for people with high blood pressure, as well as certain liver, kidney, and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, excessive use of licorice-based products can cause side effects and even poisoning.

General health benefits of licorice

Licorice is a perennial plant from the legume family, native to parts of Europe and Asia. Its other name, "sweet root," comes from its content of a substance approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice (usually its root) has been used since ancient times as a natural remedy for colds and digestive problems. But in recent years, scientists have discovered many other properties of this plant.

Chemical composition and benefits of the components

Today, scientists know that the biochemical composition of this plant can vary depending on its variety and growing location. On average, licorice contains approximately 150 different components with beneficial properties for the human body. The most valuable components can be grouped into four groups:

flavonoids;
coumarins;
triterpenoids;
stilbenoids.

Flavonoids are known for their powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Coumarins and stilbenoids are polyphenolic compounds that have natural antibiotic properties. They are also known for their pronounced anti-inflammatory effects. The triterpenoid class includes steroidal compounds.

Scientists have identified approximately three dozen flavonoids in licorice. One of the most active is glabridin. This component has anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on metabolic processes in the body.

For women

Even ancient Chinese healers considered the sweet root to be very beneficial for women and this plant was viewed as a source of youth, beauty and good health.

Liquorice — As already mentioned, licorice root contains substances that have an estrogen-like effect on the female body.

Thanks to these components, the plant helps regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve menstrual pain, and improve fertility. It is also an effective natural remedy for PMS.

Studies have shown that licorice is extremely beneficial for women during menopause. In some cases, the plant extract has even more beneficial effects on the female body than hormone replacement therapy. Teas and preparations containing the plant reduce hot flashes and improve the overall well-being of women during menopause.

Interesting!

Furthermore, licorice extract is often added to anti-aging cosmetics for its rejuvenating and whitening effects. This plant-based ingredient is useful for treating skin irritations, acne, and inflammation.

A decoction of the sweet root has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, especially color-treated hair prone to split ends and hair loss. Licorice can also help overweight women get back into shape. It speeds up metabolism, promotes the breakdown of fat deposits, and prevents the re-deposition of fatty tissue. However, it's important to understand that licorice has side effects, so overindulging in it when trying to lose weight is not recommended.

For men

The active ingredients in licorice root have been shown to prevent and suppress the development and growth of tumor cells in male reproductive organs. This ability makes licorice extract indispensable in the treatment of prostate adenoma.

For children

Children typically take licorice in the form of a sweet syrup. This remedy can be used to treat dry and wet coughs in children, as well as certain gastrointestinal ailments. Licorice is also beneficial for children as an immune-boosting supplement.

Important!

However, when using licorice syrup to treat a child, it's important to strictly adhere to the dosage. Exceeding the recommended dose can cause serious health problems.

Recommended dosage for children:

aged 1 to 3 years – up to 2.5 ml;
3-6 years – 5 ml;
6-9 years – 7.5 ml;
9-12 years – 10 ml.

This remedy can also be useful for treating wounds and burns in children. The substances found in licorice juice accelerate healing of damaged areas, preventing inflammation and other complications.

The main contraindications and harm of licorice for the body

Despite licorice's many benefits, it's best not to overuse this herb. Glycyrrhizin, one of the main components of licorice, can cause high blood pressure, decreased potassium levels, and swelling when it accumulates in excess.

Therefore, preparations based on this herb are contraindicated in:

hypertension;
presence of kidney disease;
liver diseases;
pregnancy;
diseases of the cardiovascular system.

A 2017 study by Finnish researchers found that elevated levels of glycyrrhizin in a pregnant woman's body can negatively impact fetal development.

If the dosage is exceeded during treatment of a child, licorice may cause side effects such as diarrhea, itching, rash, swelling, and skin inflammation. Licorice preparations are strictly contraindicated for children under 1 year of age.

According to research, sweet root may be dangerous for women with cancer or those at risk.

Remember!

Estrogen-like substances, which may be beneficial for healthy women, become dangerous in the context of breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.

Uncontrolled licorice use can worsen hypertension, cause hypokalemia (potassium deficiency), irregular heartbeat, and decreased potency in men. To minimize the risk of side effects, avoid overuse of this herbal remedy: take it in large doses or over a long period of time.

It's important to note that licorice should not be taken with certain medications. Typically, these restrictions apply to:

medications to thin the blood and regulate blood pressure;
corticosteroids and other drugs used in hormone therapy;
diuretics;
oral contraceptives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDFG_tOZ7Dk

Licorice-based medicines and their use

Products based on this plant can be purchased in pharmacies or prepared at home.

Syrup

A syrup is made from the plant's root. This preparation has antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat staph infections, as well as stomach ulcers, hyperacid gastritis, colds, tracheitis, and severe coughs. The advantage of this remedy is that it is not only suitable for children, but also very popular.

Extract

Licorice extract is also made from the plant's root. The resulting product is a thick, viscous paste with a cloyingly sweet taste and virtually no odor. This extract is used externally to treat tooth decay, herpes, dermatitis, erythema, and to smooth scars.

Licorice extract helps reduce pigmentation and accelerate collagen production, which is essential for eliminating wrinkles. When taken internally, it acts as an immune booster.

Infusion

The infusion is used to treat dry coughs. This remedy can be helpful for colds and upper respiratory tract infections, various stages of pneumonia, and for treating coughs in smokers and those with tuberculosis.

Advice!

To enhance the therapeutic effect of the cough infusion, it is useful to use licorice in combination with other medicinal herbs.

Ingredients for infusion:

licorice root;
marshmallow root;
elecampane root;
boiled water – 400 ml.

You'll need 1 tablespoon of each herbal ingredient. Then, take 2 tablespoons of the prepared herbal mixture and pour hot water over the roots. Let it steep for 8 hours. Take half a glass twice daily (before meals).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAluQDKKu7o

Tea

Medicinal tea can be made either from licorice root alone or from a mixture of herbal ingredients. One of the most popular recipes suggests preparing the drink like this:

licorice root – 20 g;
rose hips – 10 g;
Icelandic moss – 10 g;
plantain leaves – 10 g.

Another popular version of licorice tea is prepared according to this recipe:

licorice root and green part – 20 g;
mint – 5 g;
centaury (herb) – 5 g;
lemon balm – 5 g.

Tea — These teas provide all the key benefits of licorice and the herbal ingredients present in the recipe.

In particular, this drink relieves spasms, calms, and treats coughs and stomach ailments.

Juice

Licorice root juice is a good natural remedy for gastritis and stomach ulcers. Furthermore, this remedy retains all the beneficial properties of the fresh plant. Fresh licorice juice should never be consumed in its pure form. It should be diluted in plenty of water. For example, add only 1 ml of licorice root juice to 100 ml of water. This amount should be divided into three portions and consumed throughout the day. Warm the water and juice slightly before drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you dilute pharmaceutical licorice syrup with water before taking it?

Diluting pharmacy licorice syrup is not only possible, but also necessary. Doctors do not recommend giving this pharmacy product in its pure form to children under 12 years of age. The medicine is usually diluted with warm water in proportions appropriate for the child's age.

How many days in a row can you drink licorice infusion?

As a rule, a course of treatment using licorice preparations should not exceed 10 days. After a break, the treatment program can be repeated if necessary.

Is licorice good for wet cough?

Many people know licorice as a natural expectorant for dry coughs. However, it is also effective for treating wet coughs in children and adults.

How does a plant allergy manifest itself?

The reaction most often manifests as itching and a skin rash. However, other reactions are also possible, including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and swelling of the tongue. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur.

Licorice is a medicinal plant that has long been used by humans to treat various ailments. While this herb does have beneficial effects in most cases, recent scientific discoveries indicate that overuse of this plant is strictly prohibited.

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