Licorice

Licorice root, which is considered one of the oldest natural remedies in the world, comes from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Originally from Western Asia and Southern Europe, licorice has been a treatment for various ailments for millennia, as well as a flavoring for candies, drinks and medicines.


The licorice plant contains more than 300 different compounds, some of which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Researchers have conducted a series of clinical studies in which they analyzed the potential benefits of licorice, and the results were promising, especially in treating the following problems:

 

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Skin inflammations and infections
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause itching, redness, scaling and inflammation. According to a study, licorice root extract can annihilate bacteria that can infect the skin.

Researchers have found that this extract can fight Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis and folliculitis. In this study, the specialists used extracts from the leaves and roots of the licorice plant.


Stomach discomfort and ulcer
The experts found after a study that licorice extract alleviated stomach discomfort. Specifically, the extract reduced stomach pains, nausea and heartburn.



Hepatitis C
Glycyrrhizin can help treat hepatitis C, a condition caused by a virus that infects the liver. If not treated, hepatitis C can cause serious and long-term liver inflammation and damage. Specialists have discovered that glycyrrhizin can fight hepatitis C and may represent a future treatment for this virus.

Doctors in Japan use an injectable form of glycyrrhizin to treat people with chronic hepatitis C whose condition has not improved after taking other remedies. The results of laboratory studies in Japan suggest that glycyrrhizin could be useful for this purpose.


Dental caries
Dental caries can be extremely problematic, but the remedy for them can be found in licorice root. It seems that this herb can help kill the bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay.


Diseases of the upper respiratory tract
Both the extract and the licorice root tea have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, which can help treat upper respiratory diseases.

Glycyrrhizin from licorice root contributes to the relief of asthma, especially when administered in parallel with modern asthma treatment. In addition, some studies suggest that licorice root extract and tea may protect against strep throat and prevent sore throat after surgery.