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One of the active, skin-soothing components of licorice extract.

• History
• Soothes stomach pain
• Improves respiratory system
• Reduces stress
• Assists cancer treatment
• Protects skin and teeth
• Dosage and forms
• Side effects

Overview of licorice root

Licorice root, also known as sweet root, is used mostly as a sweetener in candies and beverages. People have also used licorice root for centuries for its medicinal benefits.

The medical community is starting to be more accepting of the overall holistic benefits of licorice. However, it’s important to note medical research hasn’t proved some of these health benefits.

Licorice is available in many forms, either containing glycyrrhizin or as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

History of Licorice Root

The word “licorice” refers to the root of a plant called Glycyrrhiza glabra. It’s native to Europe and Asia. The plant is actually classified as a weed in those areas.

The early Egyptians loved licorice root. They used it in tea as a cure-all concoction. Licorice was later imported to China where it became an important herb in Chinese medicinal tradition.

Read on to learn about the health benefits of licorice root.

Soothes Your Stomach

Licorice root is used to soothe gastrointestinal problems. In cases of food poisoning, stomach ulcers, and heartburn, licorice root extract can speed the repair of the stomach lining and restore balance. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of glycyrrhizic acid.

One study found that glycyrrhizic acid can suppress the toxic bacteria H. pylori, and can prevent it from growing in the gut. There is also research that’s shown people who have peptic ulcer disease, heartburn, or gastritis had improved symptoms when taking DGL.

DGL is the safer form of licorice and can be taken long-term if needed.

Cleanses your respiratory system

Licorice is recommended to treat respiratory problems. Taking licorice as an oral supplement can help the body produce healthy mucus. Increasing phlegm production may seem counterintuitive to a healthy bronchial system. However, the opposite is true. The production of clean, healthy phlegm keeps the respiratory system functioning without old, sticky mucus clogging it.

Reduces stress

Over time, stress can leave the adrenal gland exhausted by constantly producing adrenaline and cortisol. Licorice supplements can give the adrenal gland some relief. Licorice root extract can stimulate the adrenal gland, which promotes a healthy level of cortisol in the body. Read about 10 more simple ways to relieve stress.

Assists cancer treatment

Some studies say licorice root can potentially aid the treatment of breast and prostate cancers. And some Chinese practices also incorporate it into cancer treatment. The FDA has yet to approve such treatment methods in the United States. But, research is ongoing, according to the American Cancer Society.

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Protects your skin and teeth

Topical gels containing licorice are recommended for treating eczema. Licorice can be a successful dermatological treatment due to its antibacterial properties. For that reason, holistic health practitioners often suggest applying licorice to tooth decay to kill bacteria.

Dosage and forms

Liquid extract

Licorice extract is the most commonly found form of licorice. It’s used as a commercial sweetener in candies and beverages.

Licorice extract consumption by an individual should not exceed 30 mg/mL of glycyrrhizic acid. Ingesting more could cause unwanted side effects.

Powder

Health food stores and online specialty retailers sell licorice powder. Combined with a gel base, it can become a topical ointment that clears the skin.

In its powder form, licorice is especially helpful in treating eczema and acne. You can also pour the powder into vegetable capsules and ingest them orally.

The recommended dosage of licorice root is less than 75 milligrams per day, according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelinesTrusted Source.

Tea

Licorice plant leaves, dried and crushed into a tea, have become popular. You can purchase these teas at supermarkets or health food stores and online.

Teas are used to promote digestive, respiratory, and adrenal gland health. When you see herbal teas for “bronchial wellness” and “cleanse and detox,” they usually contain forms of licorice.

The popular throat remedy known as Throat Coat tea is a combination of marshmallow root, licorice root, and elm bark.

It’s not recommended that people ingest more than 8 ounces of licorice tea per day.

DGL

DGL is licorice with glycyrrhizin removed, which is a safer form. DGL should contain no more than 2 percent glycyrrhizin. This form is recommended for gastrointestinal symptoms as long-term intake may be needed.

DGL is available in chewable tablets, capsules, tea, and powder. Consume no more than 5 grams of DGL per day. You can purchase DGL in a variety of forms here.

Possible side effects

Too much licorice root extract can lead to low levels of potassium in the body, which causes muscle weakness. This condition is called hypokalemia.

According to some studies, subjects who ingested too much licorice root in a two-week period experienced fluid retention and metabolism abnormalities.

Consuming too much licorice can cause high blood pressure, swelling, and heartbeat irregularity. Many modern licorice-flavored products mimic the natural flavors of licorice, but some are still made with glycyrrhizic acid.

Children as young as 10 years old have been hospitalized because of hypertension after ingesting too much licorice.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised by the FDA. to avoid licorice in all forms. People with hypertension should also avoid licorice root.