What are the potential benefits and risks of consuming licorice. How does licorice affect various health conditions. What precautions should be taken when using licorice products. What are the recommended dosages for licorice consumption.

The Origins and Composition of Licorice

Licorice, an herb native to parts of Europe and Asia, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent. The root of the licorice plant contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for many of its therapeutic properties as well as potential side effects.

It’s important to note that many “licorice” products in the United States don’t actually contain real licorice. Instead, they use anise oil to mimic the characteristic black licorice flavor. This distinction is crucial when considering the health effects of licorice consumption.

What gives licorice its distinctive flavor?

The unique taste of licorice comes from glycyrrhizin, a compound that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. This natural sweetener is what gives licorice root its characteristic flavor profile. However, it’s also the component responsible for many of licorice’s potential health effects and risks.

Potential Health Benefits of Licorice

Licorice has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. Modern research has begun to explore some of these potential benefits, although more studies are needed to confirm many of these effects.

• Reducing inflammation
• Soothing coughs
• Healing ulcers
• Treating eczema
• Managing canker sores
• Alleviating side effects after breathing tube removal

Can licorice help with skin conditions?

Some evidence suggests that licorice may be beneficial for certain skin conditions. A study found that applying a gel containing 2% licorice root extract three times daily for two weeks helped reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with eczema. This indicates that licorice might have potential as a topical treatment for some dermatological issues.

Licorice and Oral Health

Licorice has shown promise in addressing certain oral health concerns. Research indicates that licorice-based products may help with canker sores and post-intubation discomfort.

How does licorice affect canker sores?

Studies have found that applying a patch containing licorice or using licorice mouth rinses can help reduce pain and speed up healing of canker sores. This suggests that licorice may have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties when applied topically in the mouth.

Can licorice help with post-intubation discomfort?

Interestingly, sucking on a licorice lozenge or gargling with a licorice-based solution shortly before the placement of a breathing tube appears to help prevent cough and sore throat when the tube is removed. This could be beneficial for patients undergoing procedures requiring intubation.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Licorice Consumption

While licorice may offer some health benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of its potential risks and side effects, especially when consumed in large amounts or for extended periods.

What are the risks of consuming too much licorice?

Consuming large amounts of licorice (5 grams or more daily) for several weeks can lead to severe side effects, including:

• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
• Water retention
• Irregular heartbeat

People with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are particularly susceptible to these effects and should be especially cautious with licorice consumption.

Licorice and Hormonal Effects

Licorice has been found to have effects on hormone levels in the body, which can be beneficial in some cases but problematic in others.

How does licorice affect estrogen levels?

Licorice may act like estrogen in the body. This property could potentially be beneficial for some conditions, but it also means that individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should avoid licorice use.

Does licorice affect testosterone levels?

Consuming large amounts of licorice can lower testosterone levels. This can potentially lead to decreased libido and may worsen erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Individuals concerned about sexual health should be cautious about excessive licorice consumption.

Licorice During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Special caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women when it comes to licorice consumption.

Is licorice safe during pregnancy?

Licorice is considered unsafe to consume during pregnancy. It may increase the risk of miscarriage or early delivery. Studies have shown that consuming about 250 grams of licorice per week during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of early delivery.

Can licorice be used while breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough reliable information about the safety of licorice use during breastfeeding. As a precautionary measure, it’s advisable for breastfeeding mothers to avoid licorice consumption.

Licorice Interactions with Medical Conditions

Licorice can interact with various medical conditions, potentially exacerbating symptoms or interfering with treatment. It’s crucial for individuals with certain health issues to be aware of these potential interactions.

How does licorice affect heart conditions?

Licorice can cause the body to retain water, which may worsen heart failure. It can also increase the risk of irregular heartbeat. Therefore, individuals with heart conditions should avoid consuming licorice.

Can licorice impact blood pressure?

Licorice has been shown to raise blood pressure. People with hypertension or those at risk of high blood pressure should avoid consuming large amounts of licorice.

How does licorice affect kidney function?

Consuming large amounts of licorice could potentially worsen kidney disease. Individuals with kidney problems should consult their healthcare provider before using licorice products.

Safe Use of Licorice: Dosage and Precautions

When using licorice, it’s important to follow safe dosage guidelines and take necessary precautions to avoid potential side effects.

What is a safe dosage of licorice?

Licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin removed (deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL) is considered possibly safe when taken in doses up to 4.5 grams daily for up to 4 months. However, licorice containing glycyrrhizin should be used more cautiously and in smaller amounts.

Are there any precautions to take before surgery?

Licorice might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. It’s advisable to stop using licorice at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

In conclusion, while licorice may offer potential health benefits, it’s crucial to use it judiciously and be aware of its possible side effects and interactions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating licorice into your health regimen, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

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. Many “licorice” products made in the U.S. actually don’t contain licorice. They contain anise oil, 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.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Licorice is likely safe for most people when eaten in typical food amounts. Licorice that has had the chemical glycyrrhizin removed is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 4.5 grams daily for up to 4 months.

Licorice that contains glycyrrhizin is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts or for a long time. Eating licorice 5 grams or more daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including heart attack. People who have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to it. Ingesting large amounts of licorice from candy, lozenges, or tea might also cause serious side effects.

When applied to the skin: Applying gel with licorice root extract 2% is possibly safe for up to 2 weeks. It is possibly safe to use a licorice mouth rinse for up to one week.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Licorice is likely safe for most people when eaten in typical food amounts. Licorice that has had the chemical glycyrrhizin removed is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 4.5 grams daily for up to 4 months.

Licorice that contains glycyrrhizin is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts or for a long time. Eating licorice 5 grams or more daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including heart attack. People who have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to it. Ingesting large amounts of licorice from candy, lozenges, or tea might also cause serious side effects.

When applied to the skin: Applying gel with licorice root extract 2% is possibly safe for up to 2 weeks. It is possibly safe to use a licorice mouth rinse for up to one week. Pregnancy: It is unsafe to take licorice when pregnant. It might cause a miscarriage or early delivery. Eating about 250 grams of licorice per week seems to increase the risk of early delivery.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information available about the safety of taking licorice when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Heart conditions: Licorice can cause the body to store water, and this can make heart failure worse. Licorice can also increase the risk of irregular heartbeat. Don’t consume licorice if you have a heart condition.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Licorice might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use licorice.

High blood pressure: Licorice can raise blood pressure. Don’t consume large amounts of licorice if you have high blood pressure.

A muscle condition caused by nerve problems (hypertonia): Licorice can lower potassium levels in the blood. This can make hypertonia worse. Avoid licorice if you have hypertonia.

Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia): Licorice can lower potassium levels in the blood. If your potassium is already low, licorice might make it too low. Don’t use licorice if you have this condition.

Kidney disease: Consuming large amounts of licorice could make kidney disease worse.

Sexual problems: Consuming large amounts of licorice can lower interest in sex. It can also worsen erectile dysfunction (ED) by lowering levels of testosterone.

Surgery: Licorice might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking licorice at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin.

• Licorice seems to change hormone levels in the body. Taking licorice along with estrogen might decrease the effects of estrogen.

• Licorice can decrease potassium levels. Loop diuretics can also decrease potassium levels. Taking licorice and loop diuretics together might make potassium levels drop too low.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

• Licorice might increase blood pressure. Taking licorice might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

• Licorice can decrease how quickly the body breaks down corticosteroids. This can increase the effects and side effects of corticosteroids.

• Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Licorice might decrease the effects of warfarin. Decreasing the effects of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

• Licorice can decrease potassium levels. “Water pills” can also decrease potassium levels. Taking licorice along with “water pills” might make potassium levels drop too low.

• Cisplatin is used to treat cancer. Licorice might decrease how well cisplatin works.

• Licorice might increase how quickly midazolam is broken down by the body. This might decrease the effects of midazolam.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

• Licorice might increase how quickly the body breaks down paclitaxel. Taking licorice with paclitaxel might decrease the effects of paclitaxel.

• Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Licorice might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

• Licorice might decrease how quickly the body breaks down methotrexate. This might increase the effects and side effects of methotrexate.

Dosing

Licorice is available in many different types of products, including candies, lozenges, teas, chewing tobacco, creams, gels, patches, sprays, mouth washes, and others. Licorice extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-990 mg by mouth daily for 2-24 weeks.

Licorice naturally contains a chemical called glycyrrhizin. The amount of glycyrrhizin usually ranges from 1% to 12%. Most of the side effects from licorice are caused by this chemical. Licorice products that have had glycyrrhizin removed are sometimes called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

Many “licorice” products manufactured in the U.S. actually don’t contain any licorice. Instead, they contain anise oil, which has the smell and taste of “black licorice”.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Licorice Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Do you experience symptoms such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consuming licorice? You may have a licorice allergy. At Nao Medical, we understand the impact allergies can have on your daily life. That’s why we offer comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and live your best life.

What is Licorice Allergy?

Licorice allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in licorice as harmful. This triggers an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Licorice Allergy

• Hives or rash
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Headache
• Low blood pressure

If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming licorice, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Causes of Licorice Allergy

Licorice allergy is caused by an immune system response to the proteins in licorice. It’s not entirely clear why some people develop allergies while others do not, but genetics and environmental factors may play a role.

Treatment for Licorice Allergy

The best way to manage a licorice allergy is to avoid consuming licorice and any products that contain licorice. If you accidentally consume licorice and experience symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or other medications to help manage your symptoms.

At Nao Medical, we offer comprehensive allergy testing to help identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. We also offer personalized treatment plans to help you manage your allergies and live your best life.

Book an Appointment with Nao Medical

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a licorice allergy or any other type of allergy, don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment with Nao Medical today and get the care you need to manage your symptoms and live your best life.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I accidentally consume licorice and experience symptoms?

If you accidentally consume licorice and experience symptoms such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or other medications to help manage your symptoms.

Can I develop a licorice allergy later in life?

Yes, it’s possible to develop a licorice allergy later in life even if you’ve never had an allergic reaction to licorice before. If you experience symptoms after consuming licorice, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

What other foods should I avoid if I have a licorice allergy?

If you have a licorice allergy, you should also avoid consuming anise, fennel, and other foods that contain licorice root extract.

Can allergies be cured?

While there is no cure for allergies, they can be managed with proper treatment and care. At Nao Medical, we offer comprehensive allergy testing and personalized treatment plans to help you manage your allergies and live your best life.

External Links:

• https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/allergen.htm
• https://medlineplus.gov/allergy.html

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered, construed or interpreted as legal or professional advice, guidance or opinion.

Licorice root (licorice). Mysterious black candies. – Life without allergies

Licorice root (licorice). Mysterious black candies.

Licorice sweets or tea with licorice root syrup. The word “licorice” always evokes confectionery associations in us, and “licorice root” – some kind of medicine. The entire population of Scandinavia, the northern part of Germany, Denmark and many other countries of the world have been eating licorice sweets since early childhood. They obviously know something good about them.

Not only Europeans love licorice root. The Chinese have been using it for thousands of years in medical practice, adding the root to all prescription recipes. They cannot live without licorice so much that, while conducting various clinical studies, they write in articles that licorice was used in the treatment in the main group, in the comparison group, and in the control.

For the first time the chemical structure of the main active ingredient of this plant was deciphered in 1937. Then we received information on almost all of its components. The end of the last century is the peak of the study of licorice. Scientists were able to scientifically substantiate all its unique medicinal properties. Research was carried out mainly on experimental animal models – on mice.

The components of licorice are structurally similar to hormones. They stopped inflammation in animals without causing the side effects inherent in hormones.

It turns out that one of the components of licorice is able to suppress the production of histamine. Others can interfere with the introduction of viruses into the cells of the body, whether they are cells of the liver or respiratory tract, and even lymphocytes. Licorice is used for stomach ulcers, viral diseases, hypertension, estrogen deficiency, rheumatic diseases and many others.

Of course, no one says that viral hepatitis B or C, HIV infection should be treated exclusively with licorice root extract or a drug based on it. At the same time, adding licorice to the complex treatment of many diseases increases the effectiveness of the main course.

Licorice root preparations should not be used without measure. This plant is 50 times sweeter than sugar, you can eat no more than 50 grams per day (according to the main active ingredient). Described adverse effects that may occur with excessive consumption of licorice. Sometimes they are quite serious and they are associated with the fact that licorice is able to disrupt the destruction of cortisol, increasing its level in the blood. In permitted quantities, this is good, in high quantities it is dangerous.

It is interesting that in the last century the Soviet pharmaceutical industry allocated enough funds to study the components of licorice, create medicines from it and evaluate their effect on animals and humans. Licorice was mined in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Now there is renewed interest in its use in various diseases, allergic diseases in one of the first places.

Licorice (licorice) is useful. It can be treated and with its help you can save yourself from diseases, in winter from respiratory viral diseases. She needs to learn how to eat. Today you can get licorice lozenges, marmalade, chocolate with licorice. If you give black licorice sweets to children from an early age, they will eat them with pleasure, becoming adults, as the Europeans told us – remembering the taste of childhood.

My article on the components of licorice root has been published in the journal Issues of Practical Pediatrics. Kudryavtseva A.V., Chebysheva S.N. Glycyrrhizic acid for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Vopr. practice. pediatrician (Clinical Practice in Pediatrics). 2019; 14(1): 57–62. (In Russian). DOI: 10.20953/1817-7646-2019-1-57-62 -1/35483

Photo from the site https://www.tarafsizbilgi.com/meyan-kokunun-kullanim-alanlari-meyan-kokunun-faydalari-nelerdir.html

Useful and dangerous properties of licorice

General description

Licorice is a perennial plant that belongs to the family
legumes. This plant also has other names: licorice
and licorice .

Licorice has a branching, thick root that grows deep into
land for three to four meters. The root system of the plant is extensive, part
has up to several tens of processes that lie on different
depth.

Licorice has straight stems that hardly branch out. Usually
they are one or two meters high. Licorice has leaves up to
twenty centimeters, on which the leaves are located, whose number
ranges from 6 to 20. They are oval shaped,
sharpening towards the end. They also have glands, due to which the leaves
quite sticky to the touch.

Licorice flowers are small in diameter (about one centimeter) and
gather in bunches. They appear at the end of summer and are white.
or purple.

Licorice fruits ripen towards the end of summer or early autumn, presenting
a bean with multiple seeds.

Licorice is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean countries.
Wild licorice grows in Europe (mainly in Italian
and French territories), northern regions of Africa, central
and western Asian states.

In Russia, licorice is found in the southern regions, in the western part of Siberia
and in the Caucasus. Do not grow it in many areas where temperate
climate, as the plant does not tolerate cold winters well. Meet
licorice is also possible on sandy soils, on the banks of the steppe
rivers, in the semi-desert zone, near the sea, as well as in the fields. Happens,
that licorice grows on soils rich in clay and black earth. This
the plant forms thickets along roads and paths.

Licorice root has a history of several thousand years. However
what today is best known as sweet, salty or
spicy delicacy until the 18th century was considered a medicine.
Licorice was used mainly for stomach and colds.
Mention of it can be found in Chinese herbals and in Egyptian
papyri. So, licorice was found even in the tomb of Tutankhamun.

A disciple of Aristotle Theophrastus, the founder of botany, described the ability
root of the plant to quench even strong thirst. And the troops of Alexander the Great
withstood long trips partially without water due to the use of
licorice. And in a later period, among the Roman legionnaires, she entered
into the daily diet. Turkish and French soldiers during the First
World War II constantly carried licorice with them.

Ancient Greek and Roman doctors glorified the root as a medicine
for colds, coughs
and catarrh (mucosal inflammation). In the Middle Ages, licorice was attributed
magical power, attributing fantastic healings to its account. And in
During the Renaissance, licorice became a “sweet medicine.” In a book on
Botany of the 17th century described this plant and the areas of application of the extracted
from its root juice.

Finally, the apothecary George Dunhill added to the root extract in 1760
licorice different ingredients, among which were sugar. Exactly then
originated licorice as a delicacy.

How to choose

Today in stores you can choose both ready-made spices and just root
licorice.

• When choosing spice , you should pay attention to tightness
  packaging, as it prevents the appearance of foreign substances and
  contaminants in spices.
• When choosing licorice root , pay attention to
  color: quality rhizome will be brown-brown on the outside
  and yellow – in the context. The grated root will have a sugary aftertaste
  and a mild sweet scent.
• When buying licorice sweets , pay attention to
  composition of the product. So, sweets should only be made from sugar,
  molasses, starch, flour, gelatin, salt and flavorings. And cover
  their mixture of dye and anise oil.

Remember that if you have high blood pressure or drink
diuretic drugs, you can choose a product with licorice only without
glycyrrhizin.

How to store

Plant roots can be dried by yourself. To do this, cut the stems
plants by washing the roots, cutting them into pieces and drying them in the sun.
Dry root can be stored for up to 10 years.

Syrup and sweets are recommended to be stored in an airtight jar or original
package in a cool and dark place.

In cooking

As a spice, licorice has a peculiar delicate smell
to the aroma of fennel
and anise and
rich sweet taste. This spice is very popular in cuisines.
Japan, China, Egypt, Mongolia, England, Scandinavian countries. Her
used in the form of powder, dried flakes, syrups and extracts.
In China, licorice is especially popular, it is added to various soups and
broths are used as part of mixtures of spices.

Licorice is an excellent accompaniment to hot meat, poultry,
game. This spice goes well with eggs, rice. Licorice
used for vegetable pickles and marinades, in the preparation of fish
canned food, soaked apples and lingonberries, sauerkraut. In preparation
pickled apples
and licorice berries does not allow products to ferment and prevents the appearance
mold.

Thanks to its sweet taste, liquorice pairs well with berries
and fruits. It is added to various drinks: jelly,
compotes, teas, coffee, cocoa.

Due to its foaming properties, licorice is considered one of the main
components of kvass, beer and carbonated
water. In addition, licorice is used to flavor wine,
vodka, liqueurs, beer. Often licorice is added to pastries, desserts.
and confectionery: halva, ice cream, caramel, chocolate, marshmallow.
Also, licorice is often used as a substitute for tea or a sugar substitute.
Licorice goes well with fennel, anise, black pepper, galanga,
ginger, cardamom, complements the composition of the Chinese mixture “5 spices”
(anise, cloves, cinnamon,
fennel, Sichuan pepper).

Licorice can also be added to flour. For example, if you are doing
pasta, root powder can be added to the dough.

Licorice has also found culinary uses to keep fresh
products and better whipping of egg whites.

And of course everyone knows licorice chews. Precisely sweets
– the branch of cooking, where licorice has found the widest application.

Calories

100 grams of licorice root contains only 375 kcal. That’s why
liquorice sweets can be a snack without much harm to the figure.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of licorice

Composition and presence of useful substances

Licorice is primarily rich in B vitamins.
it is needed for energy metabolism and normal functioning of organs
and systems, especially the nervous system, is involved in the synthesis of proteins,
and also able to regulate metabolism. In addition, licorice
takes part in the production of insulin, participates in energy metabolism
and other metabolic reactions.

Licorice root also contains vitamin C, flavonoids, polysaccharides,
fatty acids, mucous substances, mineral salts, resinous
bitterness and substances, carotene, coumarins, saponins, including glycyrrhizin,
and phytosterols.

Among the polysaccharides contained in licorice, there is up to 34% starch
and up to 30% – cellulose
and pectins. Licorice is high in organic
acids (malic, succinic, citric, etc.). In addition, she
rich in resins, essential oils and steroids, phenol carboxylic acids,
tannins and coumarins, alkaloids and nitrogen compounds.

Carbohydrates (up to 2.1%), organic
acids, polysaccharides, essential oil, triterpene saponins, triterpenoids,
coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, lipids, nitrogen-containing
compounds, vitamins.

A licorice essential oil contains ketones, aldehydes, alcohols
and their derivatives, aromatic compounds, terpenoids, esters of higher
fatty acids and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Useful and medicinal properties

Licorice has a sweet taste due to glycyrrhizin (its
content reaches 23 percent). This substance is sweeter than sugar
dozens of times, it is used as a natural sweetener. Glycyrrhizin
acid, which is in the root, resembles cortisol in action,
hormone of the adrenal cortex. Due to the presence of this acid, licorice
has anti-allergic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
action.

Saponins and glycyrrhizin have an expectorant effect. That’s why
licorice is often included in mixtures, preparations, syrups, lollipops,
used to treat cough. Such syrups are drunk with pleasure
babies, as they are fragrant and sweet.

Licorice will help cure dry cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma,
laryngitis,
pneumonia and smoker’s cough.

It restores the body with low blood pressure and cardiac pathologies,
It is also advised to use it for diseases of the thyroid gland and blood vessels.
The root of the plant has an excellent enveloping effect on the mucous
lining of the stomach and is a laxative because it contains a glycoside
liquiricin, which may help with
diabetes. This is due to the fact that it is able to increase the production
insulin and is considered a natural sweetener.

A decoction of the roots is drunk for ailments associated with the gastrointestinal tract,
they treat gastritis
and ulcers.

Since licorice contains many flavonoids, various substances with
antioxidant properties, doctors recommend its use in
oncological ailments. Anti-inflammatory properties of the plant
have a healing and protective effect in hepatitis, also helping
in diseases of the bladder and restoring normal functioning
pancreas.

Licorice root has long been considered an excellent antidote
and is used in the treatment of poisoning and intoxication. He is excellent
relieves fatigue, improving mental activity. Licorice also
useful in the treatment of diseases of the joints, with
gout, rheumatism. In addition, it lowers cholesterol levels,
preventing blockage of blood vessels and improving heart function.

Licorice root is used not only in pharmaceuticals as a component
various cough medicines and for the treatment of other ailments, but also in
folk medicine.

So, for the treatment of colds, it is advised to brew tea with licorice. For
this should be 25 grams of roots and upper part of licorice, a couple of leaves
centaury, mint and
lemon balm. It is recommended to brew such an infusion and drink a glass
after food.

For the treatment of diseases of the joints and gastrointestinal tract, you can prepare an aqueous tincture
with licorice root. For her, you need to take 20 grams of roots, frying them
in a frying pan, and then pour two cups of boiling water and insist.
The tincture is ready for use after 8 hours. Depending on the degree
disease, such a tincture is taken several tens of drops per
day.

To cure a cough, you can mix 15 grams of crushed roots,
as many roots of elecampane
and Althea. The mixture must be poured with two glasses of clean water and insist
7-8 hours. You need to take this mixture in 0.5 cups twice a day.
day before meals.

Cosmetic use

Cosmetic use of licorice is due to its wound healing properties.
action. It is used to treat allergies, skin rashes,
psoriasis,
dermatitis, eczema. Also, licorice extract is one of the components
products for problem skin care. It makes it possible to calm down
it and has anti-aging properties, and is also able to clean the pores
and help whiten skin and rid it of blemishes.

Since licorice has the property of rejuvenation, skin whitening
and stimulates the production of collagen, it is often included in the composition
age creams.

The dangerous properties of licorice

Licorice is not recommended for those who have a water-salt imbalance,
as well as patients with kidney disease and hypertension. Licorice has
the property of retaining water in the body, therefore it should not be consumed
during pregnancy, as well as children under two years of age. From this age, drugs
containing licorice, it is recommended to give strictly according to
dosage prescribed by the doctor.

The substances in licorice root also reduce potassium levels. His disadvantage
causes muscle weakness. The ultimate degree of myopathy is
rhabdomyolysis, in which muscle cells are destroyed
and acute renal failure may develop.