Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice, also known as Mulethi or “Sweet Wood,” is a highly powerful and potent medicinal herb.^(HR/1)

Licorice root has a pleasant scent and is used to flavour tea and other liquids. Cough and sore throat treatment can be obtained by directly consuming licorice roots. Because of its anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory characteristics, it can also help with digestive issues such stomach ulcers and heartburn. Licorice can also be used to boost energy and combat weariness. Licorice may aid in the treatment of oral issues such as mouth sores and tooth plaque. Because of its healing and cooling characteristics, a mixture of Licorice powder and honey may help treat mouth sores. Licorice powder can also help to improve the texture and colour of your skin.Excessive Licorice eating might cause nausea and headaches in some people.

Licorice is also known as :- Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mulethi, Mulathi, Muleti, Jethimadhu, Jethimadh, Yastimadhuka, Yastika, Madhuka, Madhuyasti, Yastyahva, Jesthimadhu, Yeshtmadhu, Yashtimadhu, Jethimadha, Jethimard, Jestamadu, Jyeshtamadhu, Atimadhura, Multhi, Irattimadhuram, Jatimadhu, Jastimadhu, Athimadhuram, Atimadhura , Asl-us-sus

Licorice is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Licorice:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• Cough : Licorice powder can help with sore throats, coughs, and excessive mucus production in the respiratory tract. It also aids in the loosening of mucus and coughing it up.
  Licorice’s Ropan (healing) and expectorant characteristics make it beneficial for sore throats, throat irritation, cough, and bronchitis.
• Stomach ulcers : Licorice root extract may aid in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Licorice extract contains Glycyrrhetinic acid, which has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities and suppresses the activity of inflammatory mediators in the stomach, reducing pain and inflammation. 1. Take 1 teaspoon of Licorice powder and mix it with 1 teaspoon of water. 2. Take three times a day with one cup of milk to relieve pain and inflammation caused by stomach ulcers.
  Due to its Sita (cold) efficacy, licorice is beneficial in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Due to its Ropan (healing) character, it forms a thick mucus layer that protects the stomach.
• Heartburn : Functional dyspepsia and its symptoms, such as upper abdominal fullness, pain from intestinal gas, belching, bloating, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and loss of appetite, can all be managed with licorice.
  Due to its Sita (cold) power, licorice relieves heartburn and lowers stomach inflammation.
• Fatigue : Due to its Madhur (sweet) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, licorice is believed to ease exhaustion and fatigue by offering rapid energy.
• Tuberculosis (TB) : Because of its antibacterial effectiveness against both gramme positive and gramme negative bacteria, licorice may be used as an alternative therapy for tuberculosis.
  Licorice’s Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Ropan (healing) characteristics help individuals with tuberculosis increase their immunity and reduce bacterial infections in their lungs.
• Malaria : Because of the presence of Licochalcone A, licorice may be useful as an anti-malarial. It stops parasites from growing at any stage.
  Licorice’s Rasayana (rejuvenating) characteristic aids in the battle against malaria by strengthening immunity.
• Fatty liver disease : Licorice may be beneficial in the treatment of fatty liver caused by carbon tetrachloride exposure (CCl4). Licorice prevents the liver damage caused by CCl4 because of its detoxifying and antioxidant capabilities. It works by boosting the quantity of antioxidants in the liver and reducing the increased activity of liver enzymes. Glycyrrhizic acid, found in licorice, has hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it useful in the treatment of nonalcoholic hepatitis.
• High cholesterol : Licorice’s Vata and Pitta balancing characteristics aid in the regulation of excessive cholesterol and the prevention of plaque formation.
• Irritable bowel syndrome : Because of its Sita (cooling) and Ropan (healing) properties, licorice decreases inflammation and speeds up the healing process in cases of IBS.
• Arthritis : Licorice’s anti-inflammatory properties can aid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. In individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory mediators.
  Sandhivata is an Ayurvedic term for arthritis, in which an exacerbated Vata causes pain and swelling in the joints. Licorice’s Sita (chill) potency balances Vata and provides relief from arthritis.
• Infections : Licorice’s Rasayana (rejuvenating) function aids in the battle against infections by improving immunity.
• Infertility : Licorice’s Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) qualities assist enhance sperm count and manage male infertility.
• Prostate cancer : Glycyrrhizin, found in licorice, may be used to treat prostate cancer. Glycyrrhizin suppresses prostate cancer cell proliferation by triggering apoptosis. As a result, Licorice has been shown to have anti-tumorigenic properties in prostate cancer cells.
• Local anesthesia (Numb tissues in a specific area) : Licorice balances the Vata dosha, which helps to manage pain in the body.
• Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection : Glycyrrhizin, found in licorice, has antiviral properties and stops the hepatitis C virus from multiplying. It works by preventing the virus from invading healthy liver cells and has been shown to help people with chronic hepatitis C. Licorice is also known to have hepatoprotective properties, as it fights free radicals and inhibits cell damage caused by lipid peroxidation.
• Mouth ulcers : In the case of mouth sores, the Glycyrrhizin found in Licorice reduces the redness and swelling inside the mouth.
  Licorice’s Ropan (healing) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties may aid with mouth sores.
• Melasma : Liquiritin, found in licorice, lowers melanin levels in the skin and may aid with melasma. The antioxidants in the extract also aid in the reduction of melanin, resulting in skin whitening.
  Licorice’s Pitta balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) characteristics aid in the management of blemishes and dark spots in melasma. On the skin, it also has a cooling and calming effect.
• Eczema : Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, licorice powder may help to alleviate eczema symptoms like as dryness, itching, and irritation.
  Because of its Sita (cooling) and Ropan (healing) characteristics, licorice may help with eczema symptoms like inflammation, dryness, and itching.
• Dental plaque : Licorice powder may be effective in preventing the production of biofilms that cause tooth plaque. Licorice suppresses the action of S.mutans, a bacterium that is primarily responsible for the production of biofilms that lead to dental plaque. This reduces the creation of acid by bacteria as well as mineral loss, which leads to tooth cavities.
• Psoriasis : According to studies, the immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory characteristics of glycyrrhizin found in Licorice could help manage psoriasis symptoms.
  Licorice’s Sita (cooling) and Ropan (healing) qualities help control psoriasis by regulating exacerbated Pitta. Licorice’s Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties also aid to boost immunity.
• Bleeding : Licorice’s Sita (cooling) and Ropan (healing) qualities help control bleeding and speed wound healing.

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Precautions to be taken while using Licorice:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)^(HR/3)

• Licorice might act like estrogen therefore, it is advised to avoid the use of Licorice in hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
• Avoid Licorice if you have low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). This is because it can worsen the condition by further reducing the potassium levels.
• drop in the level of potassium in the blood can also worsen hypertonia (a muscle condition caused by nerve problems). Therefore, the use of Licorice should be avoided in such cases.
• Licorice might interfere with the blood pressure levels during and after surgery. So it is advisable to stop taking Licorice at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery.
• Licorice is possibly safe when appropriately applied to the skin for a short period of time.

Special precautions to be taken while taking Licorice:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)^(HR/4)

• Allergy : If you are allergic or hypersensitive to Licorice or its contents, use it only under the guidance of a doctor.
  To test for probable allergic reactions, apply Licorice to a tiny area first. Licorice or its ingredients should only be used under the guidance of a doctor if you are allergic to them.
• Breastfeeding : Licorice should be avoided if you are breastfeeding due to a lack of scientific proof.
• Other Interaction : 1. Taking Licorice with oestrogen tablets may reduce the effects of the oestrogen pills. As a result, it’s best to avoid Licorice if you’re on oestrogen tablets. 2. Licorice can cause a drop in potassium levels in the body. When Licorice is combined with diuretics, it might cause an excessive loss of potassium in the body. If you’re on a diuretic, stay away from Licorice. 3. Licorice may help birth control drugs, hormone replacement therapy, and testosterone therapy work better.
• Patients with heart disease : Licorice has been shown to reduce blood pressure. If you’re using Licorice with anti-hypertensive medication, it’s a good idea to check your blood pressure on a frequent basis.
• Patients with kidney disease : If you have renal disease, use Licorice with caution since it can worsen the condition.
• Pregnancy : Licorice has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and premature labour. As a result, Licorice should be avoided during pregnancy.

How to take Licorice:-

As per several scientific studies, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Licorice Root : Take a Licorice root. Chew it effectively to take care of cough and also hyperacidity.
• Licorice Churna : Take one fourth to half teaspoon of Licorice churna. Swallow it with water before dishes, two times a day.
• Licorice Capsule : Take one to two Licorice capsule. Swallow it with water before dishes, twice a day.
• Licorice Tablet : Take one to two Licorice tablets. Swallow it with water before dishes, twice a day.
• Licorice Candies : Take one to two Licorice candies two times a day or based on your need.
• Licorice Tincture : Take six to eight declines of Licorice tincture. Dilute it with warm water. Drink it twice or thrice a day.
• Licorice Gargle : Take one teaspoon of Licorice powderAdd it to one glass of cozy water and stir up until the powder gets appropriately dissolved. Gargle with this service two times a day to get remedy for a sore throat as well as foul breath.
• Licorice Ginger Tea : Put two mugs of water in a pan. Add approximately crushed two raw Licorice roots as well as ginger to it. Also, include half teaspoon tea leaves. Let the blend boil on tool fire for five to six minutes. Strain with the help of a fine strainer. Drink this every morning to reduce problems connected with the top respiratory tract, digestive as well as digestive infections.
• Licorice Milk : Add one glass of milk in a panBring it to boil. Add one fourth teaspoon of Licorice powder to the milk and also stir until it gets effectively dissolved. Drink it quickly.
• Licorice Honey Face pack : Take fifteen to twenty fresh Licorice leaves and also mix them to create a smooth paste. Add two teaspoon of honey to the paste. Apply uniformly over the face, neck as well as hands. Keep for five to six minutes. Wash completely with faucet water. Use this treatment three times a week to do away with tanning and dullness.
• Licorice Powder with Amla juice : Take two teaspoons of Licorice powder. Mix with five to six teaspoons of amla juice and also apply equally on the scalp. Let it sit for one to two hours. Wash with faucet water. Use this remedy twice a week for a tidy as well as oil to free scalp.
• Licorice Powder with Turmeric : Take half teaspoon of Licorice powder. Add one teaspoon of multani mitti and also one fourth teaspoon of turmeric powder. Also include two to three teaspoons of climbed water to it. Mix all the components to develop a smooth paste. Apply uniformly on the face as well as neck as well as maintain for five to six minutes to dry. Wash thoroughly with faucet water. Repeat thrice a week to enhance your complexion.

How much Licorice should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Licorice Churna : One fourth to half teaspoon twice a day.
• Licorice Capsule : One to two capsules twice a day.
• Licorice Tablet : One to two tablets twice a day.
• Licorice Candy : One to two candies twice a day or as per your requirement.
• Licorice Mother Tincture : Six to twelve drops diluted with water, once or twice a day.
• Licorice Paste : One fourth to half teaspoon or as per your requirement.
• Licorice Powder : Half to one teaspoon or as per your requirement.

Side effects of Licorice:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)^(HR/7)

• Headache
• Nausea
• Electrolyte disturbances

Questions asked frequently Related to the Licorice:-

Question. Can Liquorice powder be used for hair growth?

Answer. Although there isn’t enough scientific data, Licorice powder can help reduce hair loss if used on a regular basis. It may also aid in the development of new hair.

Question. How to store Liquorice powder?

Answer. Licorice powder should be kept in a cool, dry place and, once opened, should be kept tightly closed, ideally in airtight containers. Licorice powder should not be stored in a cold environment since it will lose moisture and solidify. Tip: Licorice powder should be removed immediately if it develops an odour, flavour, or appearance.

Question. How to use Liquorice root?

Answer. Small bits of Licorice roots can be added to a teapot to extract the tastes and then added to your tea. This will improve the flavour and, if necessary, relieve stress. The sticks can even be chewed.

Question. How do you grow Liquorice?

Answer. The seeds of licorice are easy to grow. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for at least 24 hours before sowing them in a potting mix at a depth of 1/2 inch. Until the seeds germinate, cover them with soil and keep it uniformly moist.

Question. What are the benefits of Licorice tea?

Answer. Certain elements in licorice help to protect the liver from harm. Licorice tea has been shown to aid with inflammation, ulcers, diabetes, constipation, and depression.

Licorice can be combined with ginger to make a tea that helps with hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, and mouth ulcers. This is owing to its ability to balance Vata and Pitta. Because of its Pitta balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) characteristics, it also promotes good liver function.

Question. Can Licorice help relieve muscle cramps?

Answer. Yes, certain compounds derived from licorice root have been shown to help with muscle cramps and spasms.

Muscle cramps are caused by a Vata Dosha imbalance in the body. Because Licorice has the ability to balance the Vata Dosha, it is particularly beneficial in the treatment of muscle cramps.

Question. Can Licorice help with weight loss?

Answer. There isn’t enough scientific data to support the usage of Licorice for weight loss.

Licorice has a Balya (tonic) quality that helps to maintain a healthy body weight.

Question. Does Licorice help improve gastrointestinal health?

Answer. Certain compounds in licorice have anti-inflammatory actions. As a result, it calms the stomach by preserving the lining of the gastrointestinal tract from pain and inflammation.

The Pitta dosha is out of equilibrium, which causes gastrointestinal problems. Licorice has the ability to balance the Pitta Dosha in the body, which aids in the improvement of digestive health.

Question. Does Licorice aid the treatment of diabetes?

Answer. Yes, licorice may benefit in the treatment of diabetes by reducing insulin resistance.

Diabetes is a disease caused by an imbalance of the Vata and Kapha doshas. Licorice’s Rasayana (rejuvenating) property aids in diabetic management. By balancing the Vata and Kapha doshas, it aids in the management of normal blood sugar levels and the prevention of diabetes complications.

Question. Does Licorice help improve male fertility?

Answer. There is insufficient scientific data to support the use of Licorice in male fertility.

Because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Vajikaran (aphrodisiac) characteristics, licorice can aid male fertility.

Question. Does Licorice help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause?

Answer. Liquorice root is believed to have specific compounds that assist regulate the symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by reducing oestrogen levels.

Menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are both symptoms of an unbalanced Vata and Pitta Dosha. Licorice has a balanced effect on the Vata and Pitta Doshas, which helps to treat the symptoms of both of these diseases.

Question. What does Liquorice do to your skin and hair?

Answer. Licorice’s Glycyrrhizin is thought to be the most important component in fighting free radicals and preventing skin damage. UV protection, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects are all found in licorice. Apart from these advantages, Licorice powder increases skin suppleness when used on a regular basis.

Licorice’s Ropan (healing) characteristics are beneficial to the skin, and its Pitta balancing and Rasayana properties help to manage blemishes and black spots.

Question. Does Liquorice help in skin lightening?

Answer. The skin lightening agent licorice is thought to be the safest. Liquiritin in licorice powder inhibits the action of a tyrosinase enzyme, resulting in a reduction in melanin levels. Licorice’s antioxidants aid to reduce melanin levels, resulting in skin whitening.

Licorice’s Pitta balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) characteristics aid in the management of blemishes and dark spots in melasma. On the skin, it also has a cooling and calming effect.

Question. Is Liquorice good for your dental health?

Answer. Licorice has anti-cariogenic qualities (it stops cavities from forming) and inhibits bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on teeth. Licorice powder has a sweet taste and increases saliva production, which has antibacterial, cleaning, and remineralization properties (to restore the mineral loss). Licorice powder also inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators that cause gum inflammation.

Question. How is Licorice powder good for hair?

Answer. Due to the presence of Glycyrrhizin in licorice powder, it is beneficial to hair. It aids in the fight against free radicals as well as the prevention of hair damage.

Licorice powder’s Pitta and Vata balancing qualities may help to prevent hair loss and premature greying.

SUMMARY

Licorice root has a pleasant scent and is used to flavour tea and other liquids. Cough and sore throat treatment can be obtained by directly consuming licorice roots.