LICORICE ROOT

Licorice or liquorice comes from the Glycyrrhiza plant species and is valued all over earth for its rich flavor. It derives its name from the Greek, glukurrhiza which means ‘sweet root’, due to a component called glycyrrhizin present in its root which is much sweeter than sugar. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a flowering plant from the bean family Fabaceae, and its root is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes

This herb is native to Southern Europe and Asia and has been used in in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is one of the most widely consumed herbs across the world and is currently grown in Russia, Spain, France, England, Germany, the Middle East and Asia.

Along with its use in food it is also valued for its diverse medicinal benefits, providing longevity and vitality since ancient times. Licorice offers a wide range of beneficial nutrients and flavonoids. It is a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and E (tocopherol). It also provides minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, silicon and zinc. It is a storehouse of essential phytonutrients, including beta-carotene, glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin, thymol, phenol, ferulic acid and quercitin.

Health benefits:
• Apthouhthous Ulcers (Canker Sores): small, non-contagious lesions that crop up on the tissues inside the mouth and gums
• Liver Protection: reduces toxicity and helps in stabilise normal functioning , chronic hepatitis B, toxicity caused by food and chemicals
• Stomach Disorders: protection against Helicobacter pylori, dyspepsia (reflux), impaired digestion, gastric ulcers
• Anti-inflammatory: rheumatoid Arthritis, fibromyalgia, prostatitis, allergies, tendonitis, bursitis
• Tuberculosis
• Menstruation: helps regulate estrogen, normalises irregular menstruation, restores regular ovulation, reduces serum testosterone, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), menopause: hot flashes, cramps, discomfort, water retention
• Cancer: chemopreventive, inhibits carcinogenesis (growth), aptoptosis (cell death), breast, colon, anti-tumor, prostate
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: prevents malfunction of the adrenal glands
• Immune System: stimulates the action of immune cells
• Infections: fungal, bacterial, supports detox by alleviating symptoms including herpes, shingles, and chicken pox
• Athersclerosis: maintains cholesterol by acting as an anti-inflammatory
• Respiratory: sore throats, cough, colds, bronchitis, emphysema, URTI's (upper respiratory tract infections), expectorant, bronchial spasms, asthma
• Detoxification: blood and colon, laxative
• Obesity: reduces abdominal adipose tissues (fat) and triglyceride levels in the body
• Skin: eczema, athlete’s foot, psoriasis, swelling, itching, skin-lightening effects, sunburn, age spots
• Hair Care: dandruff, helps stimulate hair growth
• Depression: pre/post-menopausal, induces calmness and peace
• Dental Health: prevention and treatment of dental caries (cavities) and gingivitis.
• Neurological Disorders: Bell’s palsy and 'Lyme disease' symptoms
• Diabetes: prevention of cardiovascular stress, vascular protection under high glucose conditions, prevents formation of arterial plaques, and stimulates unobstructed blood flow, reduces blood sugar, inhibits development of insulin resistance, prevents Type-2 diabetes, cures diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)
• Neuroprotective: prevents cognitive impairment and assists in enhancing the learning and memory functions,
• Body odour: due to its antibacterial qualities
• Helps promote the effects of other herb

Warnings: Contains glycyrrhiza which can lead to side effects in some cases, including body fatigue, irregular menstruation, oedema, and kidney disorders. Hypertension and heart complications (cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure) in some people. Oestrogenic effect may worsen hormone-sensitive conditions. Excessive consumption is not recommended during pregnancy. May interact with diuretics, medications that decrease the potassium content in the body and corticosteroids (eg prednisone). Cancer patients undergoing cisplatin therapy should avoid licorice extract.