What is Licorice? Benefits, Uses and Side Effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra - An Herbal Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Licorice? 
3. Ayurvedic properties of Licorice
4. Health Benefits of Licorice
5. Uses of Licorice
6. Side Effects of Licorice
7. Licorice Tea Recipe
8. Frequently Asked Question

1. Introduction

Licorice is a plant native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, known for its sweet and distinct flavor. The root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.

Licorice root is commonly used to treat a variety of health issues, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. It is also used as a natural sweetener and flavoring agent in food and beverages.

In this article, we will focus on licorice root tea, which is made by steeping the dried root of the licorice plant in hot water. We will explore the potential health benefits of drinking licorice root tea, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its potential uses for digestive health and respiratory infections. We will also discuss the potential side effects of licorice root tea, including its effect on blood pressure and interactions with certain medications. Whether you are a fan of the sweet flavor of licorice or are interested in its potential health benefits, this article will provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions about incorporating licorice root tea into your diet.

2. What is Licorice?

Licorice botanical name is Glycyrrhiza glabra, other common names are mulethi, Liquorice, sweetwood, jethi-made, and mulhatti. It is mainly found in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Licorice is a popular flavoring agent, it is a tall erect herb, and without compounded leaves, the flowers are lilac or light violet.

The fruit is densely covered with small spinous outgrowths. The dried roots and underground stems or rhizomes of the plant constitute the drug.

Licorice has been known to pharmacists for thousands of years. In ancient times China was used for its long-term rejuvenating properties. It was used to quench thirst, allative feverishness, pain, young, and distress of breathing.

It plays an important part in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and is one of the principal medicines mentioned by Susruta. The herb contains glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid. The root of the plant is mainly used in Ayurveda for medicinal benefits.

Licorice Tree

3. Ayurvedic properties of Licorice

Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a popular herb in Ayurveda with a wide range of medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its sweet taste and numerous health benefits. Here are the:

Ayurvedic properties of Licorice:

1. Rasa (Taste): Licorice is primarily sweet (Madhura) in taste. It also has a secondary taste of being bitter (Tikta) and slightly astringent (Kashaya).

2. Virya (Potency): It is cooling in nature (Sheeta Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is sweet (Madhura Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Licorice mainly balances Pitta dosha and, to a lesser extent, Vata dosha. However, in excess, it may increase Kapha dosha.

Ayurvedic Uses:

  1. Digestive Support: Licorice is well-known for its soothing and healing effects on the digestive system. It helps relieve acidity, heartburn, and indigestion. It is often used in Ayurvedic formulations to support healthy digestion.

  2. Respiratory Health: The herb is used to manage respiratory conditions like cough, bronchitis, and sore throat due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  3. Adrenal Support: Licorice is considered an adaptogen and is used to support adrenal health, helping the body cope with stress and promoting overall well-being.

  4. Immunomodulatory: It is believed to modulate the immune system and help enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms.

  5. Anti-inflammatory: Licorice possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in managing inflammatory conditions and supporting joint health.

  6. Skin Care: In Ayurveda, Licorice is used in certain skincare preparations to soothe and nourish the skin. It may help manage skin conditions like eczema and acne.

  7. Hormonal Balance: Licorice is used to support hormonal balance in women and may help manage menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms.

  8. Liver Health: It supports liver function and helps in detoxification.

4. Licorice Root Benefits

The root of the plant has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, laxative, and expectorant properties. It has a soothing effect externally used on the skin. Powdered licorice is very popular in allopathic medicine.

Licorice root

Here are some benefits of Licorice Root.

Baldness

This herb is effective in treating patchy baldness, it promotes hair growth and hair quality. It helps to slow down excessive hair loss and eliminate dandruff.

Constipation

Due to its laxative properties, it helps to treat constipation and promotes bowel movement, and improves digestion.

Corns

It has antibacterial properties that help to treat corns that are just appearing. It is beneficial to soften the skin and decrease the corns in size.

Cough & Cold

Due to its antioxidant properties, it helps treat sore throat and relieves dry cough. It is also beneficial to boost the immunity of the body.

Mouth Disorders

It is beneficial in mouth disorders like oral inflammation and mouth ulcers, a gargle of Licorice root helps to give quick relief from inflammation.

Muscular Pain

Licorice alleviates muscular pain, it is beneficial to give relief from chronic pain, muscular pain, and joint pain.

Myopia

Licorice has revitalizing and regenerative properties which are beneficial in the treatment of myopia, it helps to increase vision.

Sore Throat

It is a wonderful herbal remedy to treat sore throat, it provides relief by soothing the inflammation and swelling.

Stomach Disorder

Licorice is an excellent remedy for relieving pain, discomfort, and other symptoms caused by acrid matter in the stomach.

Stomach Ulcers

It is very effective in treating pain due to stomach ulcers, it soothes irritation caused by acids. Even allopathy physicians use Licorice for the treatment of ulcers.

Wounds and Scalds

The leaves of the Licorice are very effective in healing wounds and treatment of scalds.

For Skin 

Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin and licochalcone. These compounds help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and alleviate inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

For Menopause 

Licorice contains phytoestrogens that can help regulate hormone levels in menopausal women and lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

For Respiratory 

It contains several bioactive compounds, including glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, and flavonoids, which contribute to its therapeutic effects on the respiratory system. Due to its expectorant properties, it helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to expel.

5. Uses of Mulethi

Dosage and uses are dependent upon the health problems and conditions or as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor. The recommended dosage is 5-10 grams of Licorice twice daily.

Here are the uses of Mulethi.

  • Take 30 grams of Mulethi root powder, and a pinch of saffron and mix both in milk and make a paste. Apply this paste over bald patches at bedtime. This remedy is very effective in the initial stages of baldness.
  • Take 10 grams of Licorice root powder with jaggery and water and take it after meal twice a day, helps to treat constipation.
  • Take 15 grams of Liquorice root powder mixed with sesame or mustard oil and apply this on hardened skin at bedtime. Helps to decrease corns.
  • Make a decoction of Licorice root powder mixed with honey, which gives relief from a dry cough.
  • Take Licorice root and infuse in sesame oil overnight, use this oil for joint pain and muscular pain.
  • Taking 5 grams of Licorice root powder and mixing it with sugar candy is helpful in mouth disorders.
  • Take 1 glass of hot water and infuse the Licorice root overnight, Use the soaked water for gargle, which gives quick relief from oral inflammation.
  • Take ½ tsp of Mulethi root powder, the same quantity of honey, and half the quantity of ghee mixed well. Take this mixture twice a day with milk on an empty stomach.
  • Chewing of raw Licorice root helps cure sore throat and soothing inflammation.
  • Take dry roots of Licorice and soak overnight in water; the infusion taken with rice gruel helps cure ulcers.
  • Licorice root powder mixed with ghee and honey is beneficial in healing wounds and cuts. Leaves are useful to treat scalds of the head and body.
Buy Licorice Root Powder 

6. Side effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Although any Ayurvedic herbs don’t have any side effects a proper dosage according to the body mass index is recommended. Long use of Licorice without a proper dosage may cause some side effects on the body which are:

  • Lethargy
  • High Blood pressure
  • Weight Increase
  • Puffiness
  • Decrease sexual desire
  • Disturbance in menstrual period
  • Headache
  • Swelling
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness

Long-term, continuous, or uninterrupted use of Licorice is not advisable, it may cause some health problems. Consult the doctor for the proper dose. It may react with some other medicines.

Here is the list.

  • If you are on any kind of heart, kidney, or liver medication, consult the doctor before starting the Licorice.
  • Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
  • Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
  • Do not use Licorice without consult if you are on medication of these: blood thinners, diuretics, steroids.
  • If you are above 65 years and want to start Mulethi, then consult the doctor and talk about the health conditions.
  • If you are on any supplements, vitamins, or herbal medication, consult the doctor.
  • If you are allergic to the Liquorice chemical compound, talk to a doctor before starting.

7. Licorice Tea Recipe

Licorice Root Tea

You can add Licorice to your tea and make flavored and delicious tea, here are simple and easy recipes for Licorice Tea.

Licorice Tea Recipe

Ingredients – for 2 cups
  • Licorice root powder – 1 tsp
  • Green Tea – 1 tsp
  • Green Cardamom – 1 bud
  • Water – 2 ½ cups
Method
  • Take a pan and boil water.
  • Add remaining ingredients and boil for 1 minute.
  • Turn off the gas and cover the pan for 2 minutes, so that the herb can infuse in water.
  • Strain the tea in a cup and add honey.

Licorice Herbal Tea

Ingredients – for 2 cups
  • Licorice root powder – 1 tsp
  • Green Tea – 1 tsp
  • Water – 2 ½ cups
  • Clove – 2
  • Black peppercorns – 5
  • Fennel seed - ½ tsp
  • Ginger Powder – ½ tsp
Method
  • Take a pan and boil water.
  • Add clove, peppercorns, fennel seed, and ginger powder, and boil for 1 minute.
  • Add green tea, and licorice root powder and boil for another 2 minutes.
  • Strain the tea in a cup and add lemon and honey.

Enjoy this masala tea, it is very effective to give relief from cough and cold, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation.

Note: This post is about educating about the benefits and uses of Licorice, consult the Ayurvedic doctor before starting.

Buy Fennel Seeds

8. Frequently Asked Question

Q - What are licorice good for?

Licorice has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, laxative, and expectorant properties, it helps to treat various health ailments. It is beneficial to increase immunity, respiratory disorder, mouth disorder, and stomach disorder.

icorice root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its potential health benefits. Some of the benefits associated with licorice root include:

  1. Soothing digestive issues: Licorice root contains compounds that may help relieve digestive problems, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers.

  2. Reducing inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root may help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body.

  3. Boosting the immune system: Licorice root has compounds that can help stimulate the immune system, potentially protecting against infections and illnesses.

  4. Supporting adrenal function: Licorice root may help support the function of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol.

  5. Relieving respiratory problems: Licorice root may have a soothing effect on the respiratory system, potentially helping to alleviate coughs and bronchitis.

Q - Is licorice good for you?

Yes, licorice is good to eat because of its potential health benefits, that included include soothing digestive issues, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, supporting adrenal function, and relieving respiratory problems. However, it's important to note that consuming licorice root in large amounts or for extended periods of time may have negative side effects. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can cause high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer when consumed in large amounts.

Q - How much licorice root is safe?

Generally the recommended dose for adults to consume not more than 30 to 50 grams of licorice root per day, which is equivalent to about 1 to 2 ounces or 4 to 8 teaspoons of licorice powder.

Q - Are licorice and anise the same?

Licorice and anise are not the same, but they do share some similarities. They both have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor and are often used in candies, teas, and other food products. Licorice comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, while anise comes from the fruit of the Pimpinella anisum plant. Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which gives it a distinctive flavor and has potential health benefits. Anise, on the other hand, contains a compound called anethole, which is responsible for its flavor and potential health benefits.

Q - How much licorice is safe in pregnancy?

Pregnant women should avoid licorice root, as it may increase the risk of premature delivery or miscarriage. This is because licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can cause the body to retain fluid and may lead to high blood pressure, which can be harmful during pregnancy.

While small amounts of licorice flavoring in food or candy are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it's best to avoid consuming large amounts of licorice root or supplements that contain licorice during pregnancy.

Q - Is licorice safe to consume?

Licorice is generally safe to consume in moderate amounts. However, consuming large amounts of licorice over a long period of time can lead to negative health effects, such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and fluid retention. Additionally, licorice can interact with certain medications, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming licorice if you are taking any medication.

Q - How is licorice prepared and consumed?

Licorice can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as in tea, as a supplement, or as a candy. Licorice root can be used to make tea by steeping it in hot water, and licorice supplements are available in capsule or tablet form. Licorice candy is typically made with licorice flavoring rather than actual licorice root, and should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Q - Can licorice interact with medications?

Yes, licorice can interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, diuretics, and corticosteroids. Licorice can also interact with some herbal supplements, such as St. John's Wort. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider before consuming licorice if you are taking any medication.

Q - What is the recommended dosage of licorice?

The recommended dosage of licorice can vary depending on the specific form and intended use.

Q - What is the difference between licorice root and licorice candy?

Licorice root is the root of the licorice plant, and is often used for medicinal purposes or as a flavoring agent in teas and supplements. Licorice candy, on the other hand, is typically made with licorice flavoring and sugar, and should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Q - Does licorice have any anti-inflammatory properties?

Yes, licorice has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds called glycyrrhizin and flavonoids.

Q - Can licorice help with digestive issues such as indigestion or acid reflux?

Yes, licorice may help with digestive issues such as indigestion or acid reflux. Licorice has been shown to have a soothing effect on the digestive tract, and may help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the stomach and esophagus.

Q - Is licorice effective in treating respiratory conditions such as coughs and colds?

Licorice may be effective in treating respiratory conditions such as coughs and colds. It has been shown to have expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions.

Q - How does licorice interact with the body's hormones and endocrine system?

Licorice contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. This can have both positive and negative effects on the body's hormones and endocrine system, and may be of concern for people with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications.

Q - Can licorice be used topically for skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis?

Yes, licorice may be used topically for skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Licorice has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and irritation on the skin.

Q - Is licorice safe for children to consume?

 Licorice is generally safe for children to consume in small amounts, such as in occasional licorice candy or as a flavoring in food or beverages. However, it's important to monitor the amount of licorice your child consumes, as consuming large amounts over a long period of time can lead to negative health effects, such as high blood pressure and low potassium levels. Additionally, licorice can interact with certain medications, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before giving licorice to a child who is taking any medication.


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