Top 5 Health Benefits of Licorice Root

Licorice root is an exceptionally potent and multifunctional herb historically renowned for its health benefits. This article lists some of the health benefits of licorice root.

Historically known as one of the oldest herbal medicaments, licorice root is derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. This exceptional herb from Western Asia and Southern Europe has been used liberally through the ages for curing various ailments, as well as giving its own unique flavour to candies, drinks, and medicines.

Whatever the case may be, licorice has a long history of uses, many of which lack scientific support. Hence, it should be primarily considered by the potential risks to health it poses if taken. One of the purposes of this article is to display some of the thousands of uses and impressive medicinal properties of licorice root, including its perspectives in history and health in the present.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Licorice

1) Licorice root benefits skin health

The licorice root has over 300 compounds, some of which have demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. This indeed justifies the application of licorice root extract in treating various skin conditions, including acne and eczema. While topical gels of licorice have been used in the treatment of acne, the available literature regarding their efficacy yields mixed and limited results.

2) Licorice root helps with acid reflux and indigestion

Licorice root extract, which enjoys historical trust for its benefit in ameliorating indigestion and acid reflux conditions, upset stomach, and heartburn, has shown its effectiveness in many studies with significant improvements in symptoms.

Licorice root extract may also come to the rescue of someone suffering from GERD, relieving both acid reflux and heartburn. The result looks promising, but a larger study needs to be done.

3) Licorice root benefits peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers, painful sores often linked to inflammation caused by H. pylori bacteria, may find a potential adversary in licorice root extract and its glycyrrhizin content.

4) Licorice root may have anticancer properties

Licorice root contains several plant chemicals that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and hence, particles of interest as potential protective agents against certain cancer types. Research has proven that licorice extract and its constituents may inhibit and prevent cell growth in different types of cancers, such as skin cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.

Nonetheless, these findings must be taken with caution, as these studies have mainly been conducted in test tubes and in animal models requiring extensive human cancer research.

5) May protect against cavities

Licorice root is thought to offer protection against bacteria responsible for cavities. A study showed that preschoolers eating the sugar-free pops containing licorice root decreased the number of Streptococcus mutans, perhaps the key bacteria associated with cavities.

Besides these studies, licorice root extract has been shown in vitro to protect against bacteria related to cavities and caries. Those were the top 5 health benefits of licorice root.

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Conclusion:

Licorice root, used for centuries in treating various ailments, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It may offer relief from conditions like acid reflux, eczema, and peptic ulcers, but further human studies are needed for confirmation. Caution is essential, as excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects. Consult a healthcare provider before using licorice root supplements.