Benefits and side effects of licorice for health and treatment
What is licorice?
Licorice is one of the flavorings of food and food products. This plant is used in the treatment of heartburn in combination with other herbs or extracts.
Licorice can be useful in treating the symptoms of eczema (itching, swelling, and redness). Other uses for this plant include treating psoriasis, canker sores, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, muscle cramps, cancer pain, osteoarthritis, stomach ulcers, and many other diseases.
It is not effective in treating all diseases because it is not FDA approved, so it should not be prescribed to you as a medicine and can therefore be used as a herbal supplement.
This plant is a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (niacin), B3 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin E (tocopherol), as well as minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, potassium. , Provides selenium, silicon, and zinc.
Rich in essential plant nutrients such as beta-carotene, glycyrrhizin, thymol, phenol, folic acid, and quercetin.
Benefits of licorice for health:
Treatment of Aphthous stomatitis
Oral ulcers are ulcers that grow in the tissues inside the mouth and gums. Studies have shown that licorice extract significantly improves the pain and inflammation of the disease.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Research has shown that it can help reduce inflammatory proteins’ cytokines and relieve pain and swelling.
Protect the liver
Studies have shown promising results regarding the effect of hepato-steroid licorice because it contains glycyrrhizin, which effectively stabilizes the liver’s normal function in treating liver disorders. Another research study has provided evidence of the flavonoid in licorice, which has antioxidant properties that protect liver cells from excess fat, dietary damage, and oxidative stress.
Treatment of gastric disorders
Scientists have noted that the glycyrrhizinic acid in this plant can protect Helicobacter pylori’s growth and have therapeutic effects.
Menopause and premenopausal syndrome
Licorice root is effective in treating menopausal symptoms and premenopausal syndrome (PMS) because it is rich in isoflavones that help maintain estrogen and progesterone balance in the body. Studies have shown positive results for licorice in reducing cramps’ frequency and improving postmenopausal women’s physical and mental health. It contains phytoestrogens that help increase hormone levels in the body and thus relieve muscle cramps.
The effect of chemical preventive drugs and chemotherapy
The plant limits the growth of breast cancer cells in humans due to flavonoids such as that help suppress cancer. Research on the antitumor activity of licorice reduces chemotherapy drugs’ symptoms and prevents tumor cell production. It is useful; it has provided satisfactory evidence.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Licorice is very useful in preventing the adrenal glands responsible for producing cortisol hormones because it prevents stress.
This plant stimulates the body’s resistance to stress, especially in the recovery phase after surgery. Its glycyrrhizic acid helps you have more energy and reduces the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Strengthen the immune system
Licorice improves the body’s defense mechanism because it increases interferon level, an antiviral substance that, along with glycyrrhizic acid, stimulates the body’s immune cells to fight off viruses infectious bacteria such as the flu.
Treatment of tuberculosis
This plant effectively treats pulmonary tuberculosis and helps in the healing process because its components’ antimicrobial properties effectively treat lung diseases.
Treatment of infection
Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which is useful in treating viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases. Research studies have shown the antiviral effect of licorice and its compounds in inhibiting the growth of the herpes virus and preventing the further spread of cancer.
Atherosclerosis
The root of this plant contains antioxidants that are effective in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The flavonoid gabardine, along with its other beneficial components, effectively prevents the accumulation of LDL cholesterol and reduces atherosclerosis risk.
Treatment of respiratory disorders
Licorice is useful in treating sore throat, cough, cold, bronchitis, and lung diseases such as emphysema, helps with upper respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria, and acts as a repellent for pests mucus from the lungs.
HIV treatment
This plant is effective in treating HIV-related diseases. Glycerin in its roots prevents the virus from multiplying by increasing the production of beta-chemokine chemokines. It also helps prevent the destruction of white blood cells by HIV and strengthens the body’s immune mechanism.
Detoxification
Licorice has laxative properties and increases detoxification in the intestines and blood. Research studies have shown that the licorice extract components help phase 2 detoxification enzymes and antioxidants that help the body eliminate harmful and toxic toxins.
Increased fertility in women
Licorice tea can help treat fertility problems in women with hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovaries, regulate estrogen secretion, and treat women’s fertility problems. It is also useful in normalizing irregular menstruation and restoring regular ovulation in pregnancy. It helps and strengthens it.
Obesity Treatment
The function of this plant’s flavonoids significantly reduces belly fat and triglycerides in the fight against obesity.
skincare
Licorice is an excellent treatment for the skin and is useful in treating skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Studies have shown that its use helps relieve swelling and itching. Its extract has skin brightening effects and helps protect against the sun’s harmful rays and improve the face’s redness.
Treatment of hepatitis
This plant effectively treats chronic hepatitis B virus and helps suppress hepatitis B antigen secretion and increase liver function.
Haircare
Licorice effectively maintains hair health by reducing fat secretion and preventing dandruff, inhibiting the hormone dihydrotestosterone’s growth, and stimulates hair growth.
Reduce depression
Licorice effectively combats menopausal depression in women because it contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, beta-carotene, and beneficial flavonoids that help fight depression.
Dental hygiene
Its extract is effective in preventing and treating dental problems and gingivitis. The licorice’s antimicrobial properties are beneficial against pneumonia, prevent streptococcus mutants, and prevent biofilms and dental plaque formation. Its extract is widely used to produce oral health products such as toothpaste due to such antibacterial effects.
Treatment of neurological disorders
Licorice is effective in treating neurological disorders such as Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease.
Cardiovascular health
Its extract’s antioxidant properties effectively prevent cardiovascular stress in diabetic patients because it blocks these arteries and stimulates unimpeded blood flow in diabetic patients.
Cognitive function
Studies show that glabridin has a neuroprotective effect in diabetes and helps prevent cognitive impairment and increase learning and memory function in diabetics. It contains anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties that lower blood sugar, prevent insulin resistance growth, and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Other properties and benefits of licorice:
Other benefits of this plant include helping heal wounds, burns, stomach upset, respiratory diseases, premenstrual syndrome, gastrointestinal ulcers, and menopausal symptoms and help fight infections such as herpes, hepatitis, and herpes. Slowly
It effectively treats rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, tuberculosis, neurological disorders, fertility, and obesity in women.
Its extract contains phytoestrogens that detoxify and strengthen healthy skin and hair, dental hygiene, and the immune system.
Warnings, side effects of licorice consumption:
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, also called glycyrrhizic acid, and in some cases can cause side effects.
High blood pressure and heart disorders
In some people, licorice leads to high blood pressure and heart complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. People with high blood pressure and heart problems should use it with caution.
Hormonal problems
It has an estrogenic effect on the body and may worsen hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cancer.
Licorice in pregnancy and lactation:
Excessive use during pregnancy is not recommended, as it may lead to fatal consequences such as premature birth or miscarriage.
The effect of licorice on sexual problems:
Licorice can affect the body’s testosterone levels in men and reduce their interest in sex.
Drug interactions:
Hypokalemia
It can interact with drugs that lower potassium levels in the body, lower potassium levels, and lead to hypokalemia.
Corticosteroids
This plant can interact with prednisone and affect the hormone cortisol level, responsible for controlling stress in the body.
Other side effects of licorice:
If you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction, see your doctor right away: shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Weakness, loss of movement of any part of the body
Hypertension – Severe headache, blurred vision, palpitations in the neck or ears, nosebleeds, anxiety, and shortness of breath.
Low potassium – anxiety, severe heartbeat, severe thirst, increased urination, muscle discomfort, muscle weakness, or feeling lame
Symptoms of brain disorder – confusion, memory problems, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts or behavior, loss of consciousness
Common side effects may include:
Headache, feeling very tired.
Loss of menstruation
Fluid accumulation (swelling, rapid weight gain)
Sexual problems in men
Food and drug interactions of licorice:
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with licorice and lead to unwanted side effects.
Avoid chewing tobacco and licorice flavor.
This product can increase your blood pressure or cause serious side effects.
Avoid licorice and other supplements that can affect your heart.
Avoid licorice with health supplements that can have laxative effects.
If you are taking medication to treat any of the following conditions, do not use licorice without medical advice:
Any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis)
Stress and depression.
Joint pain, occasional pain, or nerve headache
Asthma or allergies.
Treatment with birth control pills or hormone therapy
Cancer
Erectile dysfunction
Heartburn or reflux disease (GERD)
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart problems
Migraine headaches
Psoriasis, rheumatism, or other autoimmune disorders
Mental disorder
Convulsions
If you are taking the following medications, do not use licorice without medical advice:
Dexamethasone, prednisone, or other steroid drugs
Diuretic
Oral midazolam
Warfarin
This list is not exhaustive, and other medications may interact with licorice, including prescription and herbal remedies, vitamins, and herbal products.
Who should not consume licorice?
Check all product labels and explain all medical conditions, allergies, and all medications before use. If you are allergic to licorice or have these problems, you should not use it. :
- Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- With cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus
- History of endometriosis or uterine fibrosis
- kidney disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Erectile dysfunction
If you eat a lot of salty foods
The use of licorice as a flavoring agent is safe during pregnancy, but excessive consumption may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, so do not use this plant if you are pregnant.
It is unknown if this plant enters breast milk or can harm the baby, so do not use it while breastfeeding.
Do not give sweet herbal and health supplements to your child without a doctor’s advice.
Consumption of licorice:
Follow your doctor’s advice when using herbal supplements, and if you want to use this herb, use it with a package guide or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Do not use its various forms (powder, root, extract, liquid, tea, etc.) at the same time without medical advice.
Using different formulas together increases the risk of overdose.
If you need surgery, stop using this plant at least two weeks before surgery.
If your problem gets worse while using this product, call your doctor.
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