Benefits of Licorice Root

 Benefits of Licorice Root 

Licorice root, which is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, comes from the root of the licorice plant

Despite this history, only some of its uses are backed by scientific research. Furthermore, licorice may carry several health risks.

Uses of licorice root 

Medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for pharaohs.It has also been used in traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Greek medicines to soothe an upset stomach, reduce inflammation, and treat upper respiratory problems

Plant compounds

While it contains hundreds of plant compounds, licorice root’s primary active compound is glycyrrhizin 

Glycyrrhizin is responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its  anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties

May aid skin conditions

Licorice root contains over 300 compounds, some of which demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects

In particular, animal and test-tube studies link glycyrrhizin to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.As a result, licorice root extract is used to treat a variety of skin conditions.

Potential side effects and precautions

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed licorice root to be generally recognized as safe for use in foods .

However, the FDA does not currently evaluate or verify supplements for purity, effectiveness, or accuracy of ingredient labeling.

Additionally, the short-term use of licorice root supplements and teas is widely considered safe. However, large doses may produce adverse effects, and individuals with certain health conditions may wish to avoid it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Consuming lots of licorice — and glycyrrhizin in particular — during pregnancy may negatively affect your baby’s brain development.