12 Indispensable Benefits of Licorice

2022-02-08 00:00:00

Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used in the treatment of various problems of the body. These medicinal herbs have a special place especially in Ayurvedic treatment. One such herb is licorice, which is considered very beneficial for the body. Generally, licorice is a bushy plant mostly found on roadsides, gardens and hilly areas. In Ayurveda, licorice is dried and used along with the bark of the plant's stem because its stems are rich in many medicinal properties due to which it is used in many Ayurvedic remedies. Its taste is sweet & is very beneficial for diseases of teeth, gums and throat. For this reason, licorice is also used in making many types of toothpaste. Its botanical name is Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Benefits of Licorice

Beneficial in respiratory disorders-

Licorice acts as a medicine in cold, cough, asthma, sore throat and other respiratory problems. The antiviral and anti-bacterial properties present in licorice fight the pathogens caused by respiratory disorders and mucus. Licorice is also rich in antioxidants which helps in reducing the inflammation of the bronchial tubes and calms the airways. For this, consuming licorice root tea is great. Apart from this, consuming licorice powder mixed with honey is also beneficial in curing several respiratory problems.

For oral health-

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties present in licorice work to prevent tooth decay. In addition, the magnesium present in it helps in reducing inflammation caused by gingivitis and periodontitis. Therefore, the extract of licorice root is used in making toothpaste to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Apart from this, it is beneficial to use the soft wood of licorice as a toothbrush.

Anti-cancer properties-

According to Ayurveda, licorice has cancer fighting properties. According to a scientific study, licorice has properties, which remove DNA from cancer cells and also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. According to another research, the consumption of licorice also works to protect against prostate cancer. In this situation, chewing licorice with water is beneficial.

Beneficial for liver-

Licorice is helpful in treating liver diseases like hepatitis, jaundice, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. It contains antioxidants which act as hepatoprotective and protects the liver from any kind of damage. Apart from this, licorice also reduces inflammation in the liver caused by hepatitis.

Beneficial for digestion-

Licorice root is helpful in treating problems like constipation, gas, acidity, heartburn and stomach ulcers. The mild laxative effect found in it plays an important role in regulating stool. Apart from this, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties present in licorice work to protect and prevent stomach infection and inflammation. For this, put one spoon of licorice powder in a cup of hot water. Keep it covered for 10 minutes and then filter it. Now drink this water 2 to 3 times a week. By doing this, stomach related problems are removed. Along with this, the digestive system gets better.

Helpful in reducing inflammation-

Licorice is an effective medicine to cure any kind of inflammation in the body. According to research done by the National Cancer Institute, licorice has anti-inflammatory properties which helps to get rid of any kind of inflammation on the body. For this, consuming licorice powder with lukewarm water is beneficial.

Beneficial for brain health-

Consumption of licorice is beneficial for brain health as it contains an organic compound called glycyrrhizic acid which mainly exhibits neuroprotective properties. It works to keep the brain running smoothly. Apart from this, the antioxidant properties found in licorice protects against damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, to keep the brain healthy, consume licorice root tea. Apart from this, licorice powder can also be consumed after roasting it with vegetables.

Effective in increasing immunity-

Licorice is a natural remedy to keep immunity strong. According to research done on this, antioxidant and anti-immunity effects are found in licorice which has a positive effect on the immune system. It also helps in increasing immunity. For this, drinking tea made from the root of licorice is beneficial. Apart from this, chewing small pieces of licorice and consuming it is also beneficial.

For male fertility-

Licorice powder is helpful in improving the fertility of men. According to scientific research, consumption of licorice root or stem affects the whole body of a person. It works to increase the level of testosterone hormone in men, which is very important for fertility.

Beneficial in the problem of menopause-

Menopause, a condition in woman reaching the age of 45 to 55 years. During this time, women stop having periods due to the symptoms of hot flash in women such as a warm feeling on the face, neck or chest. In this case, the consumption of licorice powder is beneficial. Licorice has properties called phytoestrogen which helps to correct hormonal imbalance due to which symptoms like post-menopausal problems such as body heat, night sweats, insomnia, depression, vaginal dryness can be reduced. Apart from this, vitamin B, estrogen and progesterone present in licorice regulate the hormones.

Beneficial for skin-

Licorice is effective in treating many skin problems like eczema, pimples, rashes, boils and pimples. When licorice is used as a cleanser or toner, the problem of hyperpigmentation and dark circles goes away. Also, by doing this, the blemishes are removed and the face gets a glow. Apart from this, mixing licorice with rose water or milk and applying it in the form of a paste provides coolness to the skin due to which itching and redness goes away.

Beneficial for hair-

Apart from the skin, the root of licorice is also beneficial in the problem of hair. The nutrients present in it work to make the hair healthy and strengthen them which makes it easy to treat hair fall. According to the research done on this, hydro alcoholic extract obtained from the root of licorice has hair regrowth effect. According to another research, the use of shampoo containing licorice makes hair thick and strong. Along with this, the problems related to the scalp are also reduced.

Uses of Licorice

• The root of licorice is crushed and consumed in the form of powder.
• Its powder is dissolved in lukewarm water and consumed.
• Mulethi powder is consumed with milk.
• Its powder is mixed with rose water or milk and used as a face mask.
• Mulethi powder is made into a paste with lemon juice and applied on the skin.
• Soak small pieces of licorice in water overnight and the next morning after grinding these pieces, juice extracted from it can be consumed.

Side effects of Licorice

• Licorice contains glycyrrhetinic acid in abundance therefore taking it along with some medicines can cause a decrease in the level of potassium in the body. As a result, there may be adverse effects on the heart.
• Consuming it in excess can lead to a rise in blood pressure.
• Its consumption is prohibited for women during pregnancy.