Licorice root is a natural remedy that can be used in many ways. This article will discuss licorice root benefits on the body.
What you will learn
What is licorice root?
It’s an herb with sweet-tasting roots, and it has been enjoyed for centuries as a popular ingredient for foods such as candy, chewing gum, tea, sodas, and more. Licorice root comes from the licorice plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region and Europe.
Licorice Root Benefits
What are licorice root tea benefits?
- It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for many health issues such as sore throat, coughs, and congestion.
- Contains chemicals that have anti-inflammatory effects on your body. This means reduces inflammation in your body by helping with respiratory conditions, arthritis, or even digestive disorders like ulcers.
- Ability to soothe any muscle tension in the body (including constipation).
- It also helps increase adrenal gland function when taken over an extended period of time because it balances cortisol levels in the bloodstream.
- Prevents or slows the growth of prostate cancer cells in men.
- Helps heal ulcers when taken as tea.
- Supports immunity with antioxidants, vitamin C, and selenium.
- Promotes healthy blood sugar levels by regulating insulin production.
- It’s also good for your teeth! The licorice plant contains compounds called glycyrrhizin and glabridin, which help protect against tooth decay by fighting bacteria in the mouth.
- Helps skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
- It helps reduce the severity of asthma attacks in people who have chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
- Protects against viral infection by stimulating immune system cells called natural killer cells and T cells which fight viruses inside our body.
How to use and take licorice root?
Licorice root can be used in the following ways:
To calm or soothe your stomach
Take up to 500mg four times a day.
As an immune booster
Take 250 milligrams one to two times per week as a preventative measure against colds and other illnesses.
For digestive health
Add licorice root powder into tea, coffee, cereal, or yogurt.
Side effects
In the short term, licorice root can cause nausea or vomiting if taking too much.
Long-term use of it might lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention in the body.
Dosages should not exceed 500 milligrams per day for more than four weeks at a time because then it could have serious side effects on your heart’s functioning ability and you risk developing congestive heart failure.
There are many benefits but they need to be used responsibly! This means taking them only for brief periods of time.
Teas
There are tons of teas you can buy that contain licorice root in them.
Licorice tea has a sweet taste but if you don’t like the sweetness, there are also herbal teas available that have a more earthy flavor.
Candy & Desserts
Did you know it’s found in things like black jelly beans, saltwater taffy, and even chocolate cakes! So adding some to your diet will help with any digestion issues you’re having as well as for settling an upset tummy.
Conclusion
Licorice root is more than just a treat for sore throats. It’s also beneficial in the treatment of stomach ulcers, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe arthritis pain. Try some for the added benefits in your life.