6 Health Benefits Of Licorice Root

Use of the root of the licorice plant is one of the oldest and most popular herbal remedies. Since it has a sweet flavor, it is also widely used in drinks, candies, and certain medicines. Licorice root is used to treat heartburn, eczema, and ulcers. It is available in various forms such as licorice powder, tablets, capsules, and more. Read more on what is licorice and its health benefits.

Though licorice is generally safe, having too much of it can lead to severe side effects including poisoning. Read on to get a better understanding of licorice root benefits for your health and its side effects.

# Treats certain skin conditions

Licorice has over 300 compounds that have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an effective remedy for skin infections caused by bacteria. It can help you treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, cellulitis, and impetigo. You can apply a topical gel that contains extract of licorice root to help manage eczema and acne.

# Eases indigestion and GERD

Upset stomach, heart burn, acid reflux are common symptoms of indigestion that licorice can help manage and relieve. Having licorice capsules on a regular basis can significantly improve indigestion symptoms.

Other than this, it may also help ease gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This includes symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. Compared to antacids, daily use of licorice is more effective in relieving GERD and gastric irritation.

# Protects against cancer

Licorice offers antioxidant benefits. Due to this, licorice root extract can help protect you against certain forms of cancer. This is because of Licochalcone-A, a substance found in the extract. It helps effectively reduce the quantity of bcl-2, a protein that is drug resistant. Excess amount of bcl-2 is frequently associated with breast and prostate cancer and leukemia. Apart from this, the extract can also help in treatment of oral mucositis. These are painful mouth sores that are a side effect of radiation and chemotherapy.

# Treats peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers are sores that form in your lower esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. These are generally a result of inflammation caused by H. pylori bacteria. Licorice root extract can help treat them because of glycyrrhizin present in it and its anti-inflammatory properties. Regularly consuming its extract with your standard treatment can reduce H. pylori. Studies show that calculated doses can help better protect you against peptic ulcer than standard medicines .

# Relieves upper respiratory conditions

Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, licorice tea and extract can help manage upper respiratory conditions. When added to regular treatment, glycyrrhizin can help you get relief from asthma. It can also help prevent post operative sore throat and strep throat.

Licorice root can help slow the progress of chronic bronchitis in people with COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Asiatic, glycyrrhizic, and oleanolic acid found in the root have an antioxidant effect. These acids have a protective effect on bronchial epithelial cells.

# Prevents cavities

Among the many licorice root benefits, cavity prevention is one of them. Its root can protect against bacteria that causes tooth decay. Having lollipops containing licorice root can help significantly! They help by reducing the presence of cavity-causing bacteria.