What is Licorice Root?
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What is Licorice? Candy or Healing Herb?
Since that realization, I've been astounded by the proven health benefits of licorice root. I mean, a lot of herbs are used for healing purposes, but most haven't been proven to work. But it's different with licorice root. Because it's one of the most widely used herbs in the world, many of the healing benefits of licorice root have been documented and proven to work. There have been almost 200 clinical trials testing what it can and can't do. And with each positive result, the powers of licorice become that much stronger.
Unlike a lot of herbs, licorice isn't thought of as a wanna-be healer. It's been proven so many times, it's making some doctors reach farther than ever. Did you know that it's been tested on both cancer and HIV? And both studies showed positive results. The polyphenols in licorice induce cell death in the cancer cells and it does this without harming anything else. Two recent studies about the effect of licorice on HIV found that the antiviral properties of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid can prevent the virus from entering healthy cells and replicating itself. In both studies, not a single person using licorice root developed Aids. Unfortunately, the placebo groups weren't so lucky.
Prevent the Bad Effects of Licorice by using DGL
Whole licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin. While it provides numerous health benefits, ingesting too much of it can cause fluid retention, increased blood pressure, loss of potassium and other harmful side effects.
These effects can be prevented by using deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which is licorice root with the glycyrrhizin removed.
Licorice Tea
Drinking licorice root tea everyday can have amazing effects on your health. It's been proven to treat multiple digestive problems like ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation and indigestion. And while it's doing all that, licorice root tea can also strengthen your immune system by boosting your body's levels of interferon (a substance that attacks viruses). But the health benefits of licorice root don't stop there. Licorice also contains at least 8 different compounds that help relieve the symptoms of depression.Just think about it. A healthy body and a sound mind could be yours by drinking just 2 - 3 cups a day.
Alvita Licorice Root Caffeine Free - 30 Tea Bags
Amazon Price: $5.42 (as of 06/02/2012)
This caffeine free tea is made of pure licorice root. The recommended dose is 3 cups a day for 2-4 weeks. Then break for 2 weeks.
Licorice Extract
By encouraging the production of your estrogen and stimulating your adrenal gland, you're overworked kidneys and adrenal gland will get a break. This will help with the frequent trips to the bathroom. Drinking 1 - 2 cups of licorice tea or taking 30 drops of licorice extract everyday could help curb your hot flashes.
While it helps stimulate the production of estrogen in women, it does the exact opposite in men. An article in The New England Journal of Medicine stated that the glycyrrhizic acid in licorice can sometimes inhibit 2 of the enzymes needed to convert androstenedione to testosterone. If this happens, a mans testosterone level will decrease and that could leave him with a decreased sex drive or hypertension. The good news is that everything will go back to normal once he stops using licorice.
Licorice Extract 1 Ounces
Amazon Price: $6.68 (as of 06/02/2012)
Licorice extract is a great herbal remedy to keep on hand. This specific extract was prepared from the roots of hand harvested organically grown licorice. It was extracted using a 1 : 2 ratio with organic grain alcohol and distilled water.
If you don't like the taste of licorice, you'll be happy to know that licorice extract (or glycyrrhiza) tastes nothing like licorice. Glycyrrhiza is said to be 50 times sweeter than sugar and that gives it a yummy taste of it's own.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is one of the most effective natural treatments available for healing a variety of ailments in the mouth. These include canker sores, gingivitis, tooth decay, and other mouth sores. There are three popular ways to treat sores inside the mouth:The first is a dissolving licorice patch like CankerMelts. The active ingredient in CankerMelts is glycyrrhiza (licorice extract). By placing the disc on or near a canker sore, you'll begin to feel relief almost immediately. And as it slowly dissolves, it will relieve the inflammation around the sore. As an alternative, you can easily make your own licorice lozenges.
The second way is by making your own licorice mouthwash or licorice infusion. For mouthwash, just combine a 1/2 teaspoon of licorice extract with 1/4 cup of water. Gargle thoroughly and then spit it out. Use this mouthwash up to 4 times a day.
The third way is by using licorice tablets. Some people just chew them slowly, while others use the tablets to make a paste. That's easily done by crushing a licorice extract tablet into powder and adding water to make a paste. Then spread it on the affected area up to 4 times a day.
Nature's Life DGL Licorice Tablets, 380 Mg, Chewable, 100 Count
Amazon Price: $7.66 (as of 06/02/2012)
These licorice root chewable tablets are deglycyrrhizinated to make them safer for you. These are perfect for those who don't like the taste of licorice (like me) because they're mocha flavored. But just because they're chewable tablets, doesn't mean you have to chew them. As stated above, you can grind them up and make a paste or you can grind them up and add with water to make a mouthwash.
Licorice for Skin
Licorice is a very effective treatment against certain skin ailments like eczema and rosacea. It's most effective when applied topically using a 2% gel. It's also a great weapon against wrinkles and uneven skin tone. The key ingredient is a flavonoid called glagridin. This compound is what inhibits pigmentation and encourages even skin tone. What's great about licorice is that it's not a skin bleacher. It's actually a skin brightener. So if you have age spots, you don't have to worry about carefully applying it just to those dark spots. You can rub the licorice lotion or gel all over your face and with time, it will lighten the dark spots and brighten your normal skin. After a month or so, you should have a nice even skin tone again that's smoother than ever. It works the exact same way to fight against eczema and acne.Often you'll find beauty products containing both licorice and chamomile. This is because chamomile contains a special compound that promotes healing and encourages tissue regeneration. When you add that to the powers of glagridin, these two herbs are just about unstoppable.
Licorice with Glycyrrhizin
The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice can even be used in the treatment of hepatitis. It does this by fighting the virus that causes hepatitis and by supplying the liver with powerful antioxidants that help maintain it's health. Plus the anti-inflammatory properties help calm the liver inflammation associated with hepatitis.
Glycyrrhizin is also a very powerful weapon against the herpes simplex virus. It's been proven that by applying a paste or tincture directly to herpes lesions, glycyrrhizin acid irreversibly inactivates the virus. It's able to inhibit the growth of several viruses without affecting your own cell activity.
![Allergy Research Group -Licorice Solid Extract 4 oz [Health and Beauty]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31dHA6epMjL._SL160_.jpg)
Allergy Research Group -Licorice Solid Extract 4 oz [Health and Beauty]
Amazon Price: $27.52 (as of 06/02/2012)
This is an extract of licorice in a base of vegetable glycerin. 1/2 a teaspoon will give you 150 mg of Glycyrrhizic acid. Using the suggested daily dose of 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day will let you gain the health benefits of the glycyrrhizic while still keeping your risk of side effects to a minimum.
Dosage and Side Effects of Licorice Root
- Dried root: 1 - 5 g, 3 times daily
Take as an infusion or decoction (boiled) - Tincture: 2 - 4 mL, 3 times daily
- Extract: 250 - 500 mg, 3 times daily
- DGL chewable tablets: 3 times daily
For an ulcer, take 20 minutes before each meal.
Precautions and Side Effects
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1Do not use licorice if you have:
Heart failure
Heart disease
Fluid retention
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Liver disease -
2Do not use licorice if you take any of the following medications:
Ace inhibitors and diuretics
MAO inhibitors
Corticosteroids
Digoxin
Insulin
Oral contraceptives
Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs -
3Do not use licorice if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
One study showed that glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits the compound responsible for protecting the fetus, causing the cortisol to gain direct access to the fetal circulation system. A later study showed that the high cortisol level caused low birth weight.
A different study showed that when 9 pregnant rats were fed compounds from licorice, their babies were born with skeletal deformations.
So please don't use licorice if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. -
4Taking too much glycyrrhizin can cause many nasty side effects.
Too much glycyrrhizin can cause pseudoaldosteronism, which then can cause fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
Too much glycyrrhizin can also cause hypokalemia, which is low levels of Potassium, increased fluid retention and high blood pressure. Many herbalists recommend supplementing your herbal licorice remedy with potassium supplements. -
5Regulate your glycyrrhizin intake.
No more than 500 mg a day. And every few weeks, stop using licorice completely . This will prevent toxicity. -
6Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking licorice.
Grapefruit juice enhances the effects of many medications, licorice included.
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Interested in herbalism?
Have you ever used Licorice medicinally?
Feel free to comment, but don't stop here. There's a bunch of delicious Licorice recipes down below!
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wormwood80
Apr 5, 2012 @ 2:27 am | delete
- Crazy...I had never thought of licorice in this context...just the candy :)
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samsaradakini
Sep 30, 2011 @ 1:35 pm | delete
- No I have not but I will keep it in mind after this informative lens. I have heard of Licorice Root before but this lens gives me a lot of information I wouldn't normally have had. Thank you. +1
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Alternative Herbal Recipes
Licorice is a very versatile herb that can be made into many different home remedies. What I love most about making licorice recipes is that I don't have to worry about which part of the plant to use because the only part with healing benefits is the roots. It makes it so much easier!Here are a couple of my favorite licorice recipes for home remedies. Using them will allow you to reap the full benefits of licorice root. Just make sure to follow the dosages correctly. Licorice root can harm just as much as it can heal.
Basic Ingredients
Where to find Licorice Root
Frontier Licorice Root C/s, 16 Ounce Bags (Pack of 2)
Amazon Price: $14.27 (as of 06/02/2012)
Carrier Oils
Beeswax
BEESWAX PELLETS YELLOW 2-LB
Amazon Price: $12.50 (as of 06/02/2012)
Licorice Lozenge Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
These lozenges contain a super concentrated amount of licorice so be careful to not use too many. These are great for any mouth sores, coughing or sore throat.
Ingredients
- Licorice roots cut into 1" pieces
- water
Instructions
1. Place licorice pieces in a large pan and add enough water just to cover them.
2. Bring the water to a boil. Turn down the heat and allow to simmer for a few minutes.
3. After a couple minutes have passed, try to stick a fork into a root piece. If it slides in easily, it's done. If not, let it simmer and keep checking every couple of minutes.
4. Drain the water
5. Mash licorice pieces until they are the consistency of paste.
6. Use a spoon to drop small, cough-drop sized amounts onto wax paper
7. Let harden.
Licorice Infusion
- Total Time: 90 minutes
Although infusions are normally drunk the same as tea, a licorice infusion is different. Instead, it's meant to be used the same as a mouthwash.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tbsp dried crushed licorice root
Instructions
1. Heat the water until just boiling
2. Remove from heat, mix in the licorice root and set aside for 20 - 30 minutes
3. Strain the pulp out and discard
4. Let the infusion cool to room temperature and then store in a container with a lid
5. Use this infusion the same as you would use mouthwash, up to 4 times a day
Licorice Lotion
Applying licorice lotion to your skin everyday is an easy way to make sure your skin stays healthy and beautiful. If you suffer from uneven skin tone, acne, eczema, or some other skin condition, this lotion could be just what you need. Licorice contains this fantastic compound called glagridin. It's a flavonoid that inhibits pigmentation to encourage even skin tone. It's anti-inflammatory, anti-irritation properties will help soothe and clear up acne, eczema and rosacea.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Beeswax
- 1 oz Cocoa Butter
- 3 oz Grapeseed Oil
- 60 drops licorice essential oil
Instructions
1. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler or a crock pot.
2. When it's melted, add the cocoa butter and grapeseed oil. Mix it completely.
3. When it's mixed together, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. When it's cool, add the licorice oil. Mix well, then pour into a sterile container with a lid.
To keep your lotion fresh, store it in a dark colored container and seal it tight when it's not in use. Store it away from sunlight. And most importantly, make sure never to add even a single drop of water to your lotion. If you use your wet finger to just get a dab of lotion, that will be enough to spoil it.
Licorice Shampoo
- Total Time: 55 minutes
This shampoo will give thin hair a little body while adding the perfect amount of shine at the same time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tbsp dried crushed licorice root
- 1 tsp - 2 Tbsp of Jojoba oil
- 8 oz liquid Castile soap
Instructions
1. Bring water to boil. Remove from heat and add licorice. Cover and let sit for 40 minutes.
2. Strain and discard the pulp.
3. Depending on your hair type, figure out how much Jojoba to use. Dry hair needs more. Oily hair needs less.
4. Add the infusion and the Jojoba to the Castile soap and stir until mixed.
5. Pour into a bottle and use just like you would if it was store bought.
Licorice Candy
- Total Time: 3 - 4 hours
Most store bought licorice has absolutely no health benefit because it's made with Anise seed instead of Licorice. While not as beneficial as the recipes above, this licorice candy recipe uses real licorice so it will give you some herbal health.
Ingredients
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 tsp licorice root powder
- 1 tsp anise root powder
- 1 cup flour
- powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Warm the molasses over low heat until it's very warm, but not hot (about 5 - 10 minutes). Don't let it boil or even simmer!
2. Remove from heat and stir in the licorice and anise powders. Make sure all the powder is mixed in before going to the next step.
3. Stir in the flour a little at a time until it's the consistency of dough.
4. Sprinkle an area with powdered sugar and place the dough on top. Roll the dough into 1/2 inch thick tubes and cut them into your desired length. Roll them in the powdered sugar and then put on a cookie sheet to dry for a couple hours. Once it's hard, store them in a sealed container.
More Herbal Remedies
What's your favorite herbal recipe?
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TransplantedSoul
Mar 8, 2012 @ 7:06 pm | delete
- I love ginger and honey tea mande with real ginger to clear a stuffy nose.
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howtogetridofacankersore
Dec 14, 2011 @ 5:39 am | delete
- Hi there, I’d just like to take this time to tell you personally how much I loved reading your lens. I believe that everyone would benefit from reading this as it has a slew of wonderful information and knowledge that could be gained in reading your post. So, I’d just like to tell you thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write this valuable post as I’m certain that I am not the only one that gained a great deal of information out of reading this. I will be checking back on this blog periodically to check and see if you’ve written more great posts, as I’m sure a lot of other people will be too. Take care, can’t wait to see what else you post!
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EveStock
Dec 8, 2011 @ 12:49 pm | delete
- My friend who suffers from the crohn's disease using it after prednisone therapy. Seems that it helps to keep anti-inflammation prednisone effect longer.
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Proof that Licorice Root Heals
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1Estrogen and Progestin Bioactivity of Herbs
Documenting that licorice root contains plant estrogen similar to those found in soy, and that they bind strongly to estrogen receptors. -
2Kinetics and dynamics of orally administered 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid in humans
Documented that daily doses of 500 mg or less of glycyrrhizic acid decreased the risk of inhibiting (11 beta OHSD). -
3Studies on the protective effect of deglycyrrhinised liquorice against aspirin (ASA) and ASA plus bile acid-induced gastric mucosal damage
Documented that DGL Licorice is effective for treating ulcers. -
4Identification of glycyrrhizin as a thrombin inhibitor
Documented that glycyrrhizin owes part of it's anti-inflammatory properties to the inhibition of thrombin. -
5Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits virus growth and inactivates virus particles
Documented that glycyrrhizic acid attacks certain viruses and permanently inactivates herpes simplex virus particles. -
6Effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots and glycyrrhizin on the glucuronidation in rats
Documented that licorice root enhances the detoxification of poisons through the liver. -
7Activation of macrophages by crude polysaccharide fractions obtained from shoots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and hairy roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis in vitro
Documented that certain sugars in Licorice root stimulate the production of macrophages (immune cells). -
8Inhibition of human complement by beta-glycyrrhetinic acid Immunology
Documented that beta-glycyrrhetinic acid is an inhibitor of certain types of inflammatory immune system components. -
9Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers
Documented that DGL mouthwash is effective in treating small ulcers in the mouth. -
10Effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice on gastric mucosal damage by aspirin
Documented that DGL is effective in reducing stomach bleeding caused by asprin. -
11Licorice extract and its major polyphenol glabridin protect low-density lipoprotein against lipid peroxidation
Documented that the isoflavones found in licorice could lessen the negative effects of LDL cholesterol. -
12Treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Part 2: Effect of glycyrrhizic acid on the course of illness
Documented that glycyrrhizin has the same effect on viral hepatitis B as interferon. -
13Clinical trial of deglydyrrhizinized liquorice in gastric ulcer
Documented that DGL is very effective in drastically reducing the size of a gastric ulcer without causing unwanted side effects.
About Othercat
Photos and text; © 2011 Catherine Taylor. All Rights ReservedReproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
by Othercat
I'm a Giant Squid, a Rocketmom graduate and the official Squid Angel for the Mental Health category. My kids are on Squidoo too!
I'm married to a wonderful...
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Grow your own licorice!
Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) Jumbo Wildflower Seed Packet (60)
Amazon Price: $2.75 (as of 06/02/2012)
Herbal Remedies
