What is Licorice?

What is Licorice?

Licorice, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1-2 meters in height. Its leaves are oval and sticky on the underside, while its flowers are blue. The roots of licorice are long, branched, and thick. They are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside, with a distinct aroma.

Licorice is known for its sweet taste and is used as a natural sweetener in many foods and candies. Its usage dates back over three thousand years in alternative medicine, where it was employed to treat various health issues such as kidney pain, cough, heartburn, and even constipation. Additionally, it is often prepared as a refreshing drink, especially popular in the summer, known for its health benefit

Licorice is rich in essential nutrients and contains numerous vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains B vitamins (B1, B2, B3), Vitamin E, and essential minerals such as phosphorus, iron, selenium, and zinc.

Here’s the nutritional value of licorice per 100 grams:

• Calories: 365 kcal
• Water: 6.3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 93.55 grams
• Sugars: 70 grams
• Fats: 0.05 grams
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Potassium: 37 mg
• Calcium: 3 mg
• Fiber: 0.2 grams

Additionally, it contains 5-10% of glycyrrhizin, a key compound responsible for many of licorice's medicinal benefits.

Licorice offers numerous health benefits and has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

1. Benefits for Stomach and Colon:

   • Heals the stomach lining: Licorice contains anti-inflammatory substances, like glycyrrhizin, which help treat food poisoning and stomach ulcers.
   • Alleviates stomach pain: The compound glabridin helps reduce pain and nausea.
   • Treats peptic ulcers: Licorice extract can eliminate Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes stomach ulcers.

2. Benefits for Respiratory Health:

   • Expels phlegm: It acts as an expectorant, which helps relieve cough and ease breathing.
   • Treats asthma: Studies have shown that licorice can help reduce bronchial constriction, alleviating asthma symptoms.

3. Cancer-fighting Benefits:

   • Licorice contains polyphenols, which research has shown can induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. It has been shown to have positive effects on breast cancer and prostate cancer.

4. Benefits for Skin:

   • Licorice root extract is used in treating skin conditions like acne and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Other Health Benefits:

   • Supports adrenal gland function: It helps regulate adrenal function and reduces stress.
   • Prevents tooth decay: It fights bacteria that cause cavities.
   • Antidepressant effect: Its compounds have a positive impact on the nervous system.

1. Can licorice be used daily?

   • While licorice offers many health benefits, it should be consumed with caution. Excessive use may lead to side effects such as high blood pressure and potassium deficiency.

2. What is the recommended dosage of licorice?

   • It is advised not to exceed 5-10 grams of licorice daily, whether in powder form or as tea.

3. Can licorice be used during pregnancy?

   • It is not recommended to use licorice during pregnancy, as it can affect hormones and increase the risk of preterm birth.

4. Does licorice help with weight loss?

   • Although licorice contains antioxidants and supports digestive health, more research is needed to confirm its role in weight loss.

• Prepare as Tea: Boil one teaspoon of licorice with a cup of water for 15 minutes. It is recommended to drink it twice a day.
• Licorice Powder: Can be consumed three times a day to treat stomach issues.
• Skin Treatment: Licorice extract can be applied topically to treat acne and skin inflammation.

Despite its numerous health benefits, excessive licorice consumption may lead to:

• High blood pressure: Due to its high sodium content.
• Potassium deficiency: Which can cause muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.
• Pregnancy complications: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid licorice.

Licorice is a versatile herb with a wide range of health benefits, from supporting digestive and respiratory health to treating skin conditions. However, it should be used with caution, and it’s best to consult a doctor before consuming it, especially in cases of existing health concerns to avoid potential side effects.