Health benefits of the licorice herb: uses, side effects, interactions

Licorice is an herbal plant from Mediterranean lands that is widely used as a health medicine. There are many health benefits that you can get after consuming this medicinal plant. Anything?

What is licorice?

Licorice is an herbal plant whose root is known as liquorice. Apart from being used as medicine, this liquorice from ancient times was often used as a sweetener in candy or sweet drinks. Licorice is available in many forms, both containing acids glycyrrhizin or as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

Apart from being known as licorice root, licorice is a natural ingredient that also contains many benefits. What are the health benefits of licorice?

1. Treating stomach pain

Licorice root is a plant commonly used to treat stomach aches and other digestive problems. In cases of food poisoning, stomach ulcers, and heartburn, the root extract of this medicinal plant can help speed up repair of the stomach lining. Licorice can also help restore the acid balance in it. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and immune properties of the acid glycyrrhizic in this plant.

In addition, a study found that it is acidic glycyrrhizic can prevent the growth of toxic bacteria H. pylori in the intestine in large quantities. There is also research that shows people who have peptic ulcer disease, heartburn, or gastritis have improved symptoms when using DGL.

DGL is one of the safer forms of licorice and can be consumed in the long term.

2. Relieve stress

When under stress, the adrenal glands will try to produce the hormone adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormone) constantly. As a result, the two hormones will increase in number in the body. Quoted from Healthline, the extracted licorice root can suppress the body so that it does not release the adrenal hormone continuously.

In addition, this liquorice extract can also help control the levels of the hormone cortisol in the body so that the amount is not excessive. That way the stress symptoms you feel can subside.

3. Possibility to help treat cancer

The American Cancer Society is currently researching the benefits of licorice on the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer. However, some Chinese medicine has long used this root for cancer. Even though it has been used for a long time to treat cancer, it is a wise step if you still consult a doctor about using licorice root or any other treatment.

4. Treating skin and dental problems

Topical ointments containing licorice are widely recommended for treating eczema skin disease. This plant, whose roots are beneficial, can be used as an ingredient in skin medicine because of its antibacterial properties.

In addition, because of its nature, many herbalists use this plant extract to treat tooth decay or cavities caused by bacteria.

5. Increase immunity

Licorice contains triterpenoids, which are antiviral substances that are great for supporting the body's immune system. According to a study published in Food Chemistry, the roots of this herbal plant also contain antioxidants that can ward off free radicals and increase the body's resistance so you don't get sick easily. Some medicines also use the root of this plant for diseases, such as hepatitis C, HIV, and influenza.

6. Cough and sore throat

Licorice root is useful for relieving sore throats and coughs with phlegm. This herb can help soothe the throat and expel phlegm that keeps you coughing.

This herb is also known to contain anti-inflammatory substances. These substances work to calm inflammation so that the sore throat you feel subsides. Use the root extract of this herbal plant by making it into a syrup or tea.

7. Relieves symptoms of PMS and menopause

Licorice root is also known to have a similar effect to the hormone estrogen to relieve PMS pain in women. Plus, a study from Health Care for Women International found that licorice root can also treat menopausal symptoms. The effect resulting from drinking this plant extract is even said to be better than the effect of hormone therapy.

8. Treating pain

As a plant root that contains antispasmodic substances, licorice tea has the effect of being able to relieve cramps in the stomach or other parts of the body muscles. Meanwhile, plant extracts in the form of ointments can also help relieve discomfort due to joint pain.

In what form is this medicinal plant available?

Liquid extract

This plant is generally consumed after being extracted into a liquid. This plant extract usually tastes sweet, so it is often used as a flavoring for candy or warm drinks. If you are going to take extracts of this herbal plant, take care that the dosage does not exceed 30 mg / mL. Because, the acid content glycyrrhizic as much as possible could trigger dangerous side effects.

Powder

In herbal stores, this plant can also be obtained in powder form that can be mixed with an ointment for the skin. Its use in combination with a gel base makes it a topical ointment that cleanses the skin. This medicinal powder can treat eczema and acne. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the recommended dosage for the use of licorice root in a day is less than 75 milligrams.

Tea

The leaves of licorice root can also be used as medicine. To do this, you can dry the leaves and crush them before brewing them into tea. If you want to be more practical, you can also find this plant tea at supermarkets or drugstores. You should not consume more than 8 ounces of licorice tea per day. Drinking too much of it may have harmful effects.

DGL

DGL alias deglycyrrhizinated licorice is the form of licorice with ingredients glycyrrhizin inside it. This is the safer form. DGL should contain no more than 2 percent of the content glycyrrhizin . DGL is available in tablet, capsule, tea and powder form. The recommended consumption limit is no more than 5 grams of DGL per day.

What are the side effects of this herbal plant?

Too much consumption of licorice root extract can cause low potassium levels in the body. This condition will trigger hypokalemia which results in weakness in your body muscles.

According to several other studies, people who consume this herb too much for 2 weeks in a row, can experience fluid retention and metabolic disorders.

In addition, consuming the roots of this herbal plant is also known to cause high blood pressure, swelling, and irregular heartbeats. Many licorice plant products mimic the natural taste of licorice, but some are still made with acids glycyrrhizin .

The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an organization equivalent to the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (Badan POM) recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid this plant in various forms. People with hypertension should also avoid drinking or eating foods that contain licorice root.

Before starting treatment, it is always better to ask your doctor for advice. He will help you determine the right amount and the correct rules for taking a medication, especially for this licorice.