Licorice: what it is, what it is for and how to use it

Licorice, also known as licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice and others, is one of the oldest medicinal plants in the world, which has been used since ancient times to treat various health problems, especially stomach conditions, inflammation and respiratory diseases.

Although it has several health benefits, the use of licorice can also generate several side effects in the body, mainly when the plant is consumed excessively. This occurs because licorice is rich in glycyrrhizinic acid, a substance that prevents the conversion of cortisol into cortisone, which causes the kidneys to stop functioning properly and end up eliminating excess potassium, resulting in several serious problems, including alterations of the heartbeat.

The scientific name of licorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra, and it can be purchased in health food stores, certain pharmacies and some municipal markets. However, its use should always be done under the guidance of a physician, phytotherapist or other health professional accustomed to the use of medicinal plants.

Licorice: what it is, what it is for and how to use it

According to several studies conducted with licorice, the plant may provide the following benefits:

1. Eliminate fungi and bacteria

Licorice possesses substances that are possibly capable of eliminating different types of bacteria, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, both in the form of aqueous extract and in the form of alcoholic extract.

Also, the use of licorice has shown effectiveness against fungi, being even effective in eliminating drug-resistant Candida albicans infections. According to a study conducted in HIV patients, licorice tea could be an excellent option to treat fungal infections in the mouth.

2. Act as an antioxidant

Several investigations carried out in laboratories demonstrated the antioxidant effect of licorice, which is justified by the presence of substances such as glabridin, apigenin and quercetin.

3. Regulating blood sugar

Studies conducted on mice showed that it is possible that licorice is able to regulate blood glucose levels in diabetic subjects. Also, several accounts indicate that the use of licorice appears to decrease common symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst and frequent urination.

4. Fighting malaria

Licorice possesses a substance known as licochalcone A, which could have high antimalarial action, being able to eliminate the malaria parasite without causing any side effects. For this reason, in China there are 3 different species of licorice that are included in the pharmacopoeia as a form of complementary treatment for malaria.

5. Stimulate the immune system

Laboratory research has shown that licorice is able to increase the production of some types of lymphocytes and macrophages, important cells of the immune system. In addition, it is also possible that licorice has some antiviral action, protecting the body against viral infections, especially those of the influenza type.

6. Act as an anti-inflammatory

In certain studies, licorice has shown strong anti-inflammatory action, presenting superior efficacy to hydrocortisone, a type of corticosteroid widely used in the treatment of inflammations such as arthritis and skin problems.

Contrary to pharmacy anti-inflammatory drugs, the use of licorice does not seem to affect the stomach lining.

7. Protect the stomach and liver

Carbenoxolone is a synthetic substance widely used for the treatment of gastric ulcers, which was originally created with a structure similar to a substance found in licorice root that helps protect the stomach.

Likewise, glycyrrhizinic acid has also demonstrated hepatoprotective action, as it decreases inflammation of liver cells and prevents the occurrence of cancer in this organ.

8. Stimulate the elimination of phlegm

Although the mechanism of action is not known, there are several studies that showed that the use of licorice helps to reduce irritation in the throat region, in addition to contributing to the elimination of phlegm.

For this reason, this plant is widely used since ancient times to treat respiratory problems, especially when there is cough with phlegm, as occurs in bronchitis, for example.

7.How to use licorice

The most commonly used part of licorice is its root, from which its active substances are extracted. One of the most popular forms of use is tea, which can be prepared as follows:

  • Licorice tea: place 5 grams of licorice root in 500 ml of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Then let cool, strain and drink up to 2 cups a day.

    • However, the best way to use licorice for medicinal effects is to consume it in capsule form, under the guidance of a phytotherapist, who should indicate the best daily dose according to the problem to be treated.

    Since licorice may have some side effects, it is generally recommended not to exceed the dose of 100 mg of glycyrrhizinic acid per day.

    Possible side effects

    Licorice is considered a safe plant for consumption; however, if consumed in excess, it may cause certain side effects due to the presence of glycyrrhizinic acid, which increases the concentration of cortisol in the body, resulting in decreased levels of potassium in the blood, which in turn causes increased blood pressure, muscle weakness, and altered heartbeat.

    Although unusual, licorice poisoning is possible, especially when consumed in high doses and over a long period of time. This poisoning can lead to kidney failure, heart problems, and fluid accumulation in the lungs.

    There are some licorice supplements on the market that are free of glycyrrhizinic acid; however, this is also one of the most important substances in licorice, as it is responsible for several of its therapeutic effects.

    Contraindications

    Since it possesses several side effects, licorice should always be used under the guidance of a physician, phytotherapist or other health professional accustomed to the use of medicinal plants.

    Its use is completely contraindicated in people with high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney disease and low levels of potassium in the blood. Likewise, licorice should also be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

    Finally, licorice may also interact with some medications, mainly those for high blood pressure, anticoagulants, diuretics, contraceptives and anti-inflammatory drugs.

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