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Licorice is a herb that has been used in medicine and cosmetics thanks to its unique properties. Licorice root has a special healing power. A decoction of this part of the herb is used as an aid in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. On the other hand, licorice candies are worth giving to children, as they inhibit the development of tooth decay. Check what other properties licorice has.

Licoriceis a herb that has been used both in medicine and in cosmetology. The medicinal and cosmetic raw material is mainlylicorice root , which after drying turns yellow and is very sweet due to the content of glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid) - a compound that is 50 times sweeter than white sugar.

Licorice has many properties that have been appreciated for centuries. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was used as an expectorant in diseases of the upper respiratory tract - to soothe exhausting cough, as well as in diseases of the liver, stomach, kidneys and bladder.

Nowadays, in some countries, licorice root extracts are used as an aid in the treatment of, among others, Simmonds disease, tumors that destroy the pituitary gland, adrenal cortex atrophy, multiple sclerosis, Addison's disease, rheumatism and allergic diseases.

Coronavirus from China with licorice?

Why do scientists suggest using licorice root as a way to boost immune resistance against COVID-19 infection?

In the prestigious magazine The Lancet, a study was published in 2003 on the connection between the effects of glycyrrhizin, obtained from the root of glycyrrhizin, and the coronavirus.

The antiviral potential of ribavirin, 6-azauridine, pyrazofurin, mycophenolic acid and glycyrrhizin was investigated. It turned out that it was glycyrrhizin that best inhibited the proliferation of the coronavirus that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

Glycyrrhizin not only inhibits the multiplication of the coronavirus - it also limits its ability to penetrate inside the cell. Unfortunately, the mechanism of this action of glycyrrhizin is not fully understood.

It is known, however, that glycyrrhizin should be used short-term, with long-term use, side effects such as hypertension andreduced potassium levels in the blood, or hypokalemia, informed Dr. Farm. Radosław Ekiert, Head of the Development and Production Department of the Herbapol brand.

Licorice and melanoma

Scientists from the University of Minnesota (USA), who published the results of their research in "Cancer Prevention Research", argue that licorice root can prevent the development of melanoma - a malignant skin cancer.

In the course of research on the plant, they found compounds in its root that inhibit the development of cancer cells. One of them is the above-mentioned glycyrrhizin. Unfortunately, its excess in the body can cause side effects such as heart rhythm disturbances, sudden pressure surges and even brain swelling.

Fortunately, scientists were able to isolate another anti-cancer substance from licorice root -isoangustone A- which, unlike glycyrrhizin, is safe to use. Mice showed that malignant melanoma cells treated with isoangustone A grew more slowly.

Licorice slows down the development of caries

Licorice, thanks to its bactericidal properties, reduces the number ofStreptococcus mutans- green streptococcus, which is part of the natural bacterial flora of the oral cavity and which is the main factor in the development of caries and other dental diseases .

This is confirmed by the results of research by scientists from the University of Minnesota, which were published by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

They show that the consumption of sugar-free sweets with an extract obtained from licorice root significantly reduces the development of caries in children. This is confirmed by statistics - in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, where licorice-based candies are very popular, the caries index ranges from 2 to 10 percent.

In turn, scientists from the Mansoura University in Egypt say that the bactericidal properties of licorice root are also useful for root canal treatment. In addition, they argue that licorice also prevents the deposition of tartar and the formation of permanent tooth discoloration.

Licorice for respiratory infections

Licorice is used as an expectorant to soothe hoarseness and cough - especially dry cough. Modern phytotherapy recommends its use also in diseases such as:

  • bronchitis
  • asthma
  • inflamed almonds

because it has diastolic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Licorice for gastric and duodenal ulcers

Licorice regenerates irritated gastric mucosa and accelerates healinggastric and duodenal ulcers, therefore the decoction of this herb's root is used as an auxiliary in the treatment of these diseases.

To prepare the decoction, just pour half a tablespoon of licorice roots (about 3.5 g) with a glass of cold water, and then simmer slowly, covered, 5-7 minutes. Then the decoction should be allowed to cool down for 10-15 minutes and then strained. It is recommended to drink fresh and warm decoction twice a day.

The decoction can also be used after surgical procedures in the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be reached by people suffering from hypersensitivity of the large intestine and gastritis (of course after prior consultation with a doctor).

Licorice protects the liver

Active compounds contained in licorice have a protective effect on the liver. They prevent, among others fatty liver disease, and also protect against the toxic effects of hydrocarbons and heavy metals.

Modern phytotherapy recommends the use of licorice as an aid in the treatment of viral and toxic hepatitis.

Licorice - contraindications

  • Licorice cannot be used in the case of liver disease combined with cholestasis, cirrhosis, arterial hypertension, water and electrolyte imbalance (e.g. hypokalemia), kidney failure.
  • Licorice should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Products based on this herb should not be given to children under 4 years of age.
  • People struggling with chronic diseases and taking medications regularly should consult a doctor before consuming the herb. It is worth knowing that licorice should not be combined with diuretics, anti-arrhythmic drugs and steroid drugs.
  • Products containing licorice should not be consumed for more than 4 weeks. Eating them too long or too often can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, fluid retention, or high blood pressure. Additionally, licorice can interact with some medications to significantly lower potassium levels (this can lead to hypokalemia).

Licorice - use in cosmetics

Licorice contains saponins, flavonoids and organic acids, thanks to which it retains water in tissues, and thus - moisturizes and soothes the skin. Therefore, cosmetics based on licorice are recommended for owners of dry, sensitive and couperose skin (because it reduces redness of the skin and strengthens blood vessels).

Thanks to their bactericidal properties, preparations containing licorice extract can also be used for the care of oily and acne-prone skin. Licorice soothes skin inflammation, irritation and itchingand accelerates the healing of wounds and pimples.

Liquorice extracts can also be found in shampoos for damaged, fragile and brittle hair and in bath preparations.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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