subject: Boost Your Health with Licorice Root [print this page] Boost Your Health with Licorice Root Boost Your Health with Licorice Root
Licorice root is among the many herbs that have been used as medicine by ancient cultures of the world including the Hindus, Chinese, Greeks and Egyptians. It is extensively used for flavoring medicines such as cough drops, syrups, laxatives etc., and is abundantly available in India, Russia, Spain, Persia and across Central and southern Europe. It is also used as a flavoring agent in different kinds of candy, beer, puddings, gelatins, frozen dairy and meat products. As it is rich in silicon, magnesium and thiamine, it is also widely used as an additive in Chinese herbs to promote vitality.
Immunizing Properties
Licorice root has a number of proven health benefits and is used to treat a variety of ailments including respiratory problems and viral infections. Licorice has many plant estrogens and healing compounds called flavonoids including glycyrrhizin that are beneficial to our body's well being. Glycyrrhizin helps in maintaining your adrenalin levels, which is essential to fight emotional stress and physical exhaustion after a surgery or a bout of illness.
Licorice root is a source of glycyrrhizinic acid and improves the levels of an essential chemical called interferon to fight bacteria and viruses like the influenza A, and to increase your body's immunity- which usually goes down as you grow older.
Added to that, licorice also has soothing properties for relieving headaches and fever, and anti-allergic properties that are effective on hay fever, conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma and rhinitis.
Respiratory Problems
Licorice root acts as an expectorant and has a soothing effect on the respiratory system. Licorice root is often used, either directly or indirectly, to bring up, clear and control the excessive formation of the mucus in the lungs, bronchi and trachea. It not only relives the congestion, but also reduces the inflammation, irritation and sore throat that are caused during asthma, coughs and other upper respiratory infections.
Fights Hepatitis
It has been observed that glycyrrhizin, which is obtained from the licorice root, can be used for treating chronic liver diseases and hepatitis C. Licorice usually prevents and heals any liver disorders and combats the hepatitis causing virus with its antioxidant compounds to keep the liver healthy.
Post Menstrual Problems
Licorice root has some of the most beneficial antioxidants and phytoestrogens that are very helpful during menopause. Although glycyrrhizin reduces the effects of your body's estrogen level, the antioxidants and phytoestrogens in licorice balance it with their mild affect on the body, thereby easing the symptoms of PMS or postmenstrual syndrome such as bloating, tenderness of breasts and irritability.
Gastro and Digestion Problems
Licorice also acts as an excellent laxative when combined with a few other herbs and can be used to reduce indigestion, acidity, stomach ulcers and gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD. Although this herb can be used reduce the digestive swelling and boost the body's healing properties, there is not enough research data is not available to back it up.
Other Benefits
Other benefits of the licorice root include reduction and control of the LDL or bad cholesterol and body fat, to reduce the risks of heart strokes and attacks. It also alleviates the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, which is a chronic fatigue syndrome, as the glycyrrhizin extract from the root increases energy and reduces stress.
