Liquorice Root
Liquorice root plant derives from southern Europe and parts of Asia, the word liquorice means sweet root in Greek.
Although as the title of this article suggests, it might seem to be encouraged to run out and buy liquorice root to cure all your possible ailments, it is still worth noting that balance is essential. Like most things, mother nature has a way of telling us that over-consuming can become harmful to our health.
Danielle C. Tworek from Livestrong, explains throughout her article, which we have taken excerpts, the following adverse effects from frequent use of natural liquorice:
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“It is commonly studied in the medical field because it naturally contains a substance that affects many biological pathways in the human body. In particular, natural liquorice heavily impacts cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone.
Natural liquorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, or GZA, which is known to have dangerous side effects when consumed on a regular to frequent basis. The GZA substance found in natural liquorice enhances cortisol production and action.
GZA deactivates enzymes that keep cortisol levels balanced, causing a cascade of reactions that disrupt your body’s delicate balance of essential ions.
Sodium retention substantially increases, while potassium and hydrogen ions are excreted in excess. The results are significant spikes in blood pressure, muscle spasms…” (1)
Although, many products that include liquorice do not include GZA making it safe, where possible avoid consuming natural liquorice root for long periods. Especially consult with your doctor if you intend to use it for medicinal purposes, or alternatively you could instead consider Liquorice DGL (which excludes glycyrrhizic acid, or GZA).
Liquorice Root may help with
- Maybe an Expectorant
- May help to prevent colds
- Antibacterial properties
- May help with PMS
- Laxative properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- May help with CFS/M.E
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What are the Benefits?
1) It may be an Expectorant
Liquorice root has an expectorant action which means that it loosens mucus in the lungs, throat and bronchi by thinning it making it runnier, which may be of benefit to those who are suffering from a cough, has a build-up of catarrh or has bronchitis.
2) It may help to prevent colds
It may also have anti-viral properties, which may help to prevent colds, flu and cold sores.
3) Antibacterial properties
According to Kathryn Watson from Healthline who wrote in July 2017,
“Liquorice can be a successful dermatological treatment due to its antibacterial properties. For that reason, holistic health practitioners often suggest applying liquorice to tooth decay to kill bacteria.” (2)
4) It may help with PMS
Liquorice root may help those who are going through the menopause or are having PMS symptoms as it is reported to help balance hormones.
5) Laxative properties
Reported to act as a mild laxative, which would be of benefit to those who are suffering from constipation.
6) Anti-inflammatory
The potential anti-inflammatory properties of liquorice root may help those who suffer from arthritis, allergic skin conditions, Crohn’s disease and gastritis. This may be due to it stimulating the production of cortisol which is a hormone released by the body to control inflammation, resulting in an increased anti-inflammatory action of this hormone.
Kathryn Watson from Healthline, whom we quoted earlier in this article, also explained:
“Liquorice root is used to soothe gastrointestinal problems. In cases of food poisoning, stomach ulcers, and heartburn, liquorice root extract can speed the repair of the stomach lining and restore balance. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of glycyrrhizic acid.” (3)
7) It may help with CFS/M.E
those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/M.E) may find liquorice root useful because it has been linked to stimulating the adrenal glands.
Some research shows that those who suffer from CFS/M.E may have an insufficient response from the adrenal glands meaning that the production of cortisol may be lower than those without this disorder. (4)
Liquorice root synergy and works well with
- Manuka honey may help with stomach ulcers and support the digestive system
- L-Glutamine in relation to digestive disorders such as gastritis
- Echinacea for fighting bacterial and viral infections
- Vitamin C for immune system support
- Zinc may help with healing
- Primrose Oil for PMS and menopause-related symptoms, as well as allergy-related skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis
- Vitamin A for respiratory system conditions such as bronchitis
Some things to consider
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suffer from medical conditions especially high blood pressure, liver, heart or kidney disease, potassium deficiency or are on heart or diuretic medication you should speak to your Dr before taking any supplements.
Resources
Last accessed online 20/04/2020
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/522282-licorice-cortisol/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/licorice-the-sweet-root#4
- https://www.healthline.com/health/licorice-the-sweet-root#1
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15058215
