Licorice is famous for being a coal black sweet that you can buy at the shops. However, licorice isn’t just candy for people with an acquired taste, it’s also a natural healing ingredient. In the wild, licorice root can grow to be over a meter and a half tall. That’s quite impressive for this Southeast Asian herb!
Although that’s not the only extraordinary thing about this natural root, because it also has plenty of healing qualities. In fact, licorice root is just one of many underrated natural ingredients. Over the next few months, we will be highlight some lesser known, but equally amazing natural ingredients. Read on to learn more about the first ingredient: Licorice Root.
Licorice root can have a positive effect on both you and your health.
This root can help treat gastrointestinal issues. Licorice root contains the two flavonoids glabridin and glabrene which help alleviate stomach pain. Furthermore, it can reduce nausea and heartburn. Glycyrrhizic acid in licorice works quickly to repair stomach lining and resume the gastrointestinal balance.
Licorice root has been shown to promote healthy mucus production. Mucus is essential to keeping your respiratory system clean and removing any bacteria present in it. Also, licorice is a commonly used remedy for sore throats. In fact, a study found it to be more effective than synthetic chemical treatments for a sore throat.
Stress causes our adrenal gland to flare up and produce adrenaline and cortisol to help our bodies handle the tasks at hand. Over time, however, too much stress can leave the adrenal gland exhausted. Fortunately, licorice can help naturally stimulate the adrenal gland. With this gently push from licorice root your body will produce healthy levels of cortisol and your adrenal gland won’t burn out.
It is the extract of licorice root that usually makes its way into cosmetic products. The healing power of this herb can also be harnessed in topical treatments.
Licorice root extract can help treat conditions like eczema and rosacea. The chalconoid Licochalcone A, which is present in licorice, is what works to combat inflammation. Licochalcone A also helps protect your skin from free radicals. Additionally, it can help regulate your skin’s production of oil.
Say bye bye to bacteria on your skin and teeth. Licorice’s antibacterial properties have a reputation for keeping teeth clean and bacteria-free. This can be great news for your skin if you suffer from regular infections.
Licorice root extract fights against the microbe that causes cellulitis, folliculitis, and impetigo. These nasty infections can be both painful and serious, so using licorice root extract to prevent them is a helpful natural remedy. Not to mention, it can also treat Hepatitis C which is caused by a virus that attacks the liver.
The flavonoid glabridin and chalconoid Licochalcone A present in this root work together to help soothe skin. Both of these components also work to reduce the signs of ageing in the skin. Glabridin even helps reverse sun damage by brightening the skin and preventing skin darkening after exposure to UV rays. Licorice root extract can help eliminate acne scars and dark spots with the glabridin’s properties.
If you don’t already have some at home, you may be ready to run to the shop and purchase some licorice root. This natural ingredient has plenty of healing properties, but it may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, people suffering from low blood pressure, low potassium levels, hypertension or breast cancer should not consume this root. Furthermore, licorice can actually interfere with certain medications, so be sure to ask your doctor before you start using it.
Anyone looking to start taking licorice root for its health benefits should do so in moderation. Of course, too much of anything can be bad for you. When it comes to licorice, the saying is very much true. Take care not to consume too much licorice, regardless of whether its in food or supplement form.
There are many ways to consume licorice to take advantage of its healing powers. You can buy tablets to chew, the liquid extract, the root itself or a fine powder. Despite the form it’s in, there are lots of ways you can consume it to obtain its benefits.
Stay tuned for more healing ingredients in our underrated ingredients blog series. For more information on how to treat eczema read Mayca’s post on 35 Best Natural Ingredients to Treat Eczema and Other Skin Conditions. To learn more about making your own skincare at home, consider signing up for WapoBeauty’s Soapmaking Workshop for Beginners.
Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni
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