Licorice - Uses, Side Effects

Licorice is an herb that grows in parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin,which can cause side effects when eaten in large amounts.The chemicals in licorice are thought to decrease swelling,decrease cough, and increase the chemicals in our body that heal ulcers.which has the smell and taste of "black licorice".Licorice is used for eczema, swelling of the liver, mouth sores, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.There is also no good evidence to support using licorice for COVID-19.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for 

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Applying a gel containing licorice three times      daily for 2 weeks seems to reduce redness, swelling, and itching from eczema.Canker sores applying a patch containing licorice and using licorice mouth rinses seem to help reduce pain and speed up healing of canker sores.

• Side effects in people after breathing tube removal.Sucking on a licorice lozenge or gargling with a licorice fluid shortly      before placement of a breathing tube seems to help prevent cough and sore throat from occurring when the tube is removed.There is interest in using licorice for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Available In:

Licorice is available as dried roots, extracts, tinctures, tablets, extracts, and topical preparations.Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is available in chewable tablets, wafers, capsules, tea, and powder.

7 Licorice Root Tea Benefits for Health and Wellness

Licorice root is a popular tea ingredient that imparts a sweet taste to loose leaf tea blends.Aside from being tasty, licorice root also has a wealth of health benefits,including reducing inflammation,aiding digestion,and boosting the immune system, benefits of licorice root tea, along with licorice root blends worth considering.

1. Helps with digestion

Licorice root tea can be a tasty tea to help with digestion, making it the perfect after-dinner tea when you’re looking for something to soothe your stomach and sate your sweet tooth.Licorice has been shown to help ease the symptomsof digestive problems and promote good digestive health.

2. Contains anti-inflammatory properties

 Studies have shown that licorice root may help to reduce inflammation.Licorice root is naturally sweet, which makes it a popular addition to herbal tea blends. Licorice also helps to balance out strong flavors like ginger and turmeric, adding a subtle sweetness to these teas.

3. Wards off colds

Licorice has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries, and has been shown to have powerful cold-fighting benefits.This herbal ingredient has antiviral and antimicrobial properties, and can help to soothe the symptoms of a cold and prevent further illness.

4. Boosts immune system

In the same way that they ward off colds, licorice root’s antiviral and antimicrobial properties can also help to boost your immune system and keep you from getting sick. Licorice root tea won’t prevent major illnesses, but it can be a great way to give your immune system a little boost during cold and flu season.

5. Soothes upset stomachs

If you’re suffering from nausea or an upset stomach, a cup of licorice root tea can help. Studies have shown that licorice root can help to ease nausea symptoms and settle your stomach. Licorice root is often included along other nausea-fighting herbs like ginger and peppermint in tea blends.

6. Good for your teeth

Did you know that licorice root can also be good for your teeth? Studies indicate that licorice root’s anti-inflammatory, anti-adhesive, anti-microbial properties can help to improve your oral hygiene and demonstrate beneficial effects against issues like cavities and gingivitis.

7. Soothes sore throats

Licorice root contains antiviral and antimicrobial properties that help to protect against disease and ward off sore throats. Plus, licorice root tea blends are warm and soothing, and tend to go well with honey, making these teas a great choice if your throat is feeling a little scratchy or sensitive.