Licorice/Liquorice/Glycyrrhiza Glabra benefits for Health, Hair and Skin

Benefits of Licorice/Liquorice/Glycyrrhiza Glabra for Health, Hair and Skin

Licorice/Liquorice/Glycyrrhiza Glabra benefits for Health, Hair and Skin

Licorice/Liquorice/Glycyrrhiza Glabra (sweet root) is widely used as a sweetener in beverages and candies. Licorice is an herbal root belonging to the species of the Glycyrrhiza plant. This spice contains glycyrrhizin which gives this spice its sweet flavor. The root is also popular for its medical values, most of which aren’t proven by the medical science, however. Nevertheless, the holistic benefits offered by Licorice root makes them a thing of ‘great value’ in the medical community. Here is all you need to know about its healing power. This spice has been used for ages for flavoring in indian cuisines. Licorice root contains many healthy properies like flavonoids, plant sterols, volatile oils, chalcones, glycosides, coumarins, glycyrrhizic acid, asparagines and anethole.
Licorice is commonly known as Mulethi and Jethimadhu in Hindi, in Tamil and Telugu it is called Atimadhuram and Irattimadhuram, in Kannada it is known as Atimadhura and Jeshtamadhu, In Telugu it is called as Yashtimadhukam, in Bengali it is known as Yashtimadhu, in Marathi it is called Jeshtimadh, in Gujarati it is called Jethimadh.

Licorice/Liquorice/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Health Benefits


1. Enhances Immunity


Licorice boosts interferon level, a key chemical in the immune system that combats attacking viruses. The root is also a good source of some powerful antioxidants and phytoestrogens that work as natural oestrogens for the body.

2. Relieves stress and pain


Sweet root comprises aspirin that treats fevers and soothes pain like headaches. The anti-allergenic value is helpful in healing allergic rhinitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma, and conjunctivitis.

3. Eases a sore throat and respiratory problems


The herb is highly effective in treating respiratory illnesses like chest infections, coughs and congestion. Plus, it prevents overproduction of mucus.

4. Treats fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome


The root contains glycyrrhizin that enhances cortisol activity, eases stress, and increases energy. Licorice is also efficient in treating chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

5. Maintains the health of liver


The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb offer protection to various vital organs of the body including liver. It also combats the virus that causes hepatitis by supplying valuable antioxidant compounds to the body.

6. Aids premenstrual and menstrual issues


The phytoestrogens in the herb eases the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, like breast tenderness, irritability, and bloating. The estrogenic effect produced by the substance overrides the inhibiting action of body’s natural estrogen and that treats menstrual problems. Drinking 2 cups of licorice tea per day, three days before your periods can help you to fight against menstrual cramps in a healthier way.

7. Boosts healthy heart


According to the studies, the herb prevents heart disease, by eliminating the accumulation of bad cholesterol (LDL) and plague that results in artery clogging. Improved blood circulation along with the proper levels of cholesterol ensures a healthy heart.

8. Aids Cancer Treatment


Licorice root is used in some Chinese practices for its cancer-treating properties. It is known to treat many types of cancer with its chemo-preventive effects. This herb is potential enough in assisting prostate and breast cancer treatments. This root contains Flavonoids like isoliquiritigenin which helps in the suppression of colon carcinogenesis and activate apoptosis. Consuming licorice root has been found helpful in reducing toxicity caused by chemotherapy drugs.

9. Balances hormone production in women


The anti-oxidants present in licorice root aid the symptoms of hormonal problems in the women, particularly those going through menopause. It aids problems like hot flashes, exhaustion and mood swings by balancing hormone production.


10. Treats abdomen and gastric troubles


Licorice is ideal for treating various digestive abnormalities. The flavonoids present in the herb act as soothing agents in the digestion system and promote proper bowel movement.

11. Fights herpes virus


Sweet root extract is highly beneficial for treating herpes simplex, sores, and shingles. The antiviral action of this herb suppresses the action of herpes virus and prevents returning of cold sores as well. To treat shingles and herpes just have capsules made from the licorice root extract twice a day, and topical application of the paste made from licorice root extract, 4 to 5 times a day to get relief.

12. Reduces body fat mass


According to the research, consuming three grams of sweet root extract on daily basis significantly reduces body fat mass within 2 months. Note that it isn’t advisable to consume Licorice for a longer period.

13. Regulates the working of Salivary Glands


Licorice is popularly used for treating various problems associated with the salivary glands. The herb is also beneficial in treating sore throat; however, it doesn’t affect saliva production.

14. Combats viral infections


The anti-viral activity of Sweet root is highly effective against HIV, influenza, herpes, SARS and hepatitis. Licorice contains triterpenoids which is a potential antiviral medicine used in multiple clinical treatments.

15. Deals with body stress


Licorice offers adrenal support to the body as it belongs to the family of adaptogenic herb. It reduces body stress by regulating cortisol (the stress hormone that boosts proper working of the adrenal glands).


16. Arthritis Treatment


Licorice is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. You can have licorice tea to help in relieving the pain caused due to arthritis. It also works to reduce the swelling caused by arthritis along with providing pain relief. Consuming licorice tea daily can improve the movements of the joints.

17. Fighting Depression


For ages licorice root has been used as a natural anti-depressant. Consuming licorice is known to activate the functioning of the adrenal glands, which regulates the process of cortisol synthesis. The reduced levels of cortisol is the main cause of anxiety, nervousness, chronic fatigue and stress. Drinking licorice tea works to maintain the cortisol levels in the blood. Drinking this tea daily helps to improve your mood and keeps depression at bay.

18. Beneficial For Diabetes


Drinking licorice tea gives you good health and sweetness together. You can substitute sugar with Licorice roots for sweetness. It is a boon for people suffering from diabetes.

19. Beneficial For Cold


Licorice tea is loaded with antiviral properties which help in fighting infections and boosts immunity. For ages this tea has been used as an effective remedy for conditions like cough and cold. This tea boosts immunity and eliminates the infections slowly. It is also effective in treating sore throat. Enjoying warm licorice tea provides quick relief from clogged nasal passages. 

20. Helps With Low Blood Pressure


One of the most difficult medical condition to be cured is Hypotension or low blood pressure. But, Licorice tea is known to treat this condition safely. Consuming this tea regularly helps you get rid of stress-related problems, like fatigue, nausea and dizziness. Licorice tea also works to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

21. Treatment Of Yeast Infection


Yeast infections can easily be treated by oral and topical use of licorice tea which has the power to fight against infections. Women are prone to such infections caused by the Candida albicans bacteria.

22. Helps to Lose Weight


Daily drinking licorice tea can help in losing weight naturally to a considerable extent. Just have two cups of this tea along with a healthy workout regime and balanced diet.

23. Treats Canker Sores


Ulcers that often occur on the cheeks and tongue are known as canker sores. These sores can be quite painful and irritating. To get relief from the pain try gargling with licorice tea. To get quick relief, Gargle 4 times a day.

24. Detoxifying Agent


Licorice root is known to have mild laxative properties which help in the detoxification of the colon. Research shows that the dehydroglyasperin component present in licorice extract works to stimulate the antioxidant enzymes, helping in removing toxic and harmful wastes from the body.

25. Treats Tuberculosis


Studies show how effective licorice is in fighting pulmonary tuberculosis and easing the healing process. Licorice root also contains antimicrobial and antimycobacterial properties that work well to treat infections. These properties make licorice a potent anti-tubercular agent.

26. Dental Health Benefits


Dental problems like gingivitis can effectively be cured by Licorice. It also has antimicrobial properties that stops the production of dental plaques. Licorice is also used in the manufacturing of many oral hygiene products like mouthwashes and toothpastes because of its antimicrobial properties.