Licorice Root Benefits - Part 2
Licorice Root Elixir
8. May Fight InflammationWe are already aware of the anti-inflammatory effects of licorice root. The root is particularly effective in treating inflammation of the gut and boosting digestive health. The glycyrrhizin in the root also inhibits tissue inflammation by reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. Licorice can protect against chronic inflammation and related conditions like arthritis as per mice studies. It also is believed that licorice acts like the body’s natural corticosteroids (compounds that reduce inflammation). However, more research is needed to understand this particular mechanism of licorice.
9. May Relieve Adrenal Fatigue And Other Hormonal Issues
Licorice may help balance hormones. The root has been traditionally used to balance female hormones, thus relieving premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms. The flavonoids in licorice may have a beneficial estrogenic effect on human cells and also improve adrenal function. Licorice root is also known to be used in herbal supplements specifically prescribed for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.
10. May Enhance Immunity
Licorice root has antiviral and antimicrobial properties, and these may help boost immunity. The glycyrrhizin in licorice may stimulate immunity and help fight several viral infections, as per studies conducted on ducklings. It also may prevent other bacterial and fungal infections. Licorice root also plays a role in relieving cough and other ailments of the respiratory tract. It has antitussive and expectorant properties. The root may also treat colds and soothe a sore throat. The root coats the throat with a thin film of mucus, protecting the delicate tissues in there. Crude licorice may also eliminate phlegm and aid in detoxification.
11. May Improve Male Fertility
Studies have shown that licorice root may help treat erectile dysfunction. The root improves overall health on a cellular level. It also has beneficial effects on male hormonal levels. However, studies are contradictory in this regard. An Italian study states that licorice may reduce serum testosterone levels in men. Hence, talk to your doctor before using licorice for this purpose.
12. May Relieve Symptoms Of PMS And Menopause
It is said that licorice root may offer relief from menstrual cramps. It may moderate the spasms and alleviate pain. Some research suggests that it can also help relieve hot flashes, though more studies are needed. The root has an estrogen-like effect in women, and this helps relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause. In one study, licorice was found to be much better than hormone replacement therapy in reducing the duration of hot flashes.
13. May Improve Oral Health
Research has shown that licorice root may reduce cavities and help treat other oral diseases, including caries and oral candidiasis. It also may help prevent periodontitis, a serious oral disease that destroys the gums and bones and tissues that maintain the teeth. Two of the important compounds in licorice, namely licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were found to be the most effective treating oral diseases. The root also helps prevent periodontitis. The root is also known to freshen breath naturally. It may also prevent tooth decay.
14. May Aid Sleep
Studies done on mice state that one type of licorice root, called Glycyrrhiza glabra, can induce sleep and even increase sleep duration. Two other compounds in licorice root, namely glabrol and liquiritigenin, may also play a role in this regard. More importantly, ethanol extracts of the root were found to increase the length of non-REM sleep in mice.
Borrowed from StyleCraze