What does licorice root do for the body?

If you’re wondering what the heck licorice root does for your body, you’ve come to the right place. Although it may seem like a strange ingredient to have in your supplements or herbal teas, this root has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. And who doesn’t love something that’s been around longer than their great great grandmother? So let’s get straight into it.

What is Licorice Root?

Before we delve into its magical properties (cue Harry Potter music), let’s first talk about what exactly licorice root is. Also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra (if you want to impress your friends with fancy Latin words), licorice root comes from a perennial herb native to parts of Europe and Asia.

The plant itself grows up to two meters tall, producing long leaves and flowers that are purplish-blue in color. However, it’s the roots that hold all the benefits we’re going to discuss today.

Fun fact: Licorice derives from the Ancient Greek word glykys meaning sweet-tasting + rhiza meaning ‘root’ – therefore translating directly as: “sweet-tasting root”. Yes folks – it really was just THAT simple!

Nutritional Composition

Now onto some juicy bits…what exactly does this sweet-tasting wonder contain nutritionally speaking? There are over 300 compounds found within this little root! Here are a selected few:

Compound Function
Flavonoids Antioxidants which protect cells against oxidative damage
Saponins Anti-inflammatory effects on immune system
Coumarins Blood-thinning capabilities

Licorice also contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium & zinc amongst others.

Fun Fact: Overdosing on them can cause so-called mineralocorticoid excess syndrome (MCS), aka Licorice poisoning. So maybe watch the quantity of sweets consumed as well- to avoid unwanted side-effects.

Digestion and Inflammation

It’s no secret that inflammation is one of the most annoying causes of disease in the body…so what if i told you this sweet root could help reduce it? Flavonoids found in licorice root have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties, including reducing swelling and joint pain [1]. Glycyrrhizin – another component found within its roots, mimics corticosteroids hormone; helping with reduction in inflammatory responses.

As for digestion, glycyrrhizic acid additionally helps provide relief when it comes to stomach ulcers through stimulating mucus production which lines our stomachs creating an extra barrier layer against harmful bacteria/triggers which can worsen these sores [2].

And lets not forget those pesky heartburn moments we all wish would disappear into a blackhole- yet never do (sound familiar?). Studies suggest that by increasing mucous production once again (yes ladies and gentlemen we still need more mucous), licorice might soothe digestive issues like heartburn whilst simultaneously maintain pH levels due to being alkaline centered[3].

Immune System

The immune system is comprised various components such as white blood cells amongst others who work together to fight off infections/viruses. It just so happens licorice contains some cool antimicrobial/antiviral properties thus making it effective at boosting your immunity defenses.[4] Once again glycyrrhizin getting involved here playing a role by inhibiting viral enzymes responsible for growth/reproduction. The takeaway message from this? Drinking/getting some doses from supplements will lower risk of common colds/flus!

Fun fact: Ancient Egyptian pharaohs used to eat licorice root, believing it would enhance their strength and libido. We can’t say the same now for certain but what we do know is that 20 grams of licorice were found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb!

Skin & Hair

Now onto some beauty secrets! Licorices’ natural inflammatory properties come into effect here once more helping calm irritated skin by reducing redness upon applying lotions/products containing extracts within it [5].

As well as soothing acne-prone skin– Glycyrrhizic acid present within this sweet edible is quite beneficial when it comes to treating scalp issues too- such as dandruff/scalp irritation providing antifungal support.[6] So next time your scalp feels a little sensitive or irritated – consider giving your hair some nutritional love with this nature derived treatment.

Blood Pressure Reduction

Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure (often asymptomatic) has an increasing prevalence rate worldwide. Licorisides extract may help lower blood pressure due to assisting with both vasoconstriction effects through improved nitric acid production whilst also blocking Aldosterone [7]. Not only does this have benefits on overall health but also decrease disease risk associated from hypertension including heart attack/stroke etc.

Long term consumption of heavy doses should still be avoided given the possibility of apparent toxicity/renal syndromes.

Final Thoughts

Of course there are various other health perks that one could delve deeper into regarding licorice root usage although not all researched particularly thoroughly thus requires further proofing/evidence.Natural herbal remedies always bring certain degree of skepticism against conventional medicinal products given evidence derived from clinical trials however knowledge gained over centuries about its implementation shouldn’t go unnoticed either.
Licorice used to flavor tobacco-containing products (e.g., cigarettes) was banned by many countries because inhalation remains; non-banned oral consumption of licorice substitutes should however still be monitored closely for safe limits.

Fun fact: Although sometimes controversial, liquorice is a much-loved flavour in various parts of the world — mainly Europe and Australia!

In conclusion: Licorice root can help to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, support a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin & hair and aid hypertension.A sweet fix packed with vitamins & minerals – our ancestors had it right all along!

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