Everything you wanted to know about ................... Liquorice
Comes from the root and underground parts of the plant.
Latin name Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Used medicinally for thousands of years
Used as a flavouring agent
Contains a compound called glycyrrhizin which is 50 times sweeter than sugar.
Benefits of Liquorice
Treatment for peptic ulcers (with glycyrrhizin removed - could cause high blood pressure)
Can trigger interferon, the body’s virus fighting agent.
Helps dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis when applied topically
Heals cold sores and reduces pain
Treatment for Hepatitis due to the compound, glycyrrhizin
Helps to balance estrogen levels
Good for respiratory problems such as coughing, asthma, sore throats, and bronchitis
Helps fight against stress and chronic fatigue syndrome
Helps LDL (bad) cholesterol become more resistant to oxidation
Anti-depressant
Improves bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels.
Can stop growth of numerous bacteria and viruses such as influenza A.
Caution
Lliquorice can raise blood pressure, cause sodium and water retention, and potassium loss. Therefore long term usage is not recommended.
Avoid during pregnancy.
People that suffer from congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, kidney or liver disease, fluid retention, high blood pressure, underlying electrolyte disturbances, hormonal abnormalities, or those taking diuretics should seek medical guidance.
Is known to increase the absorption of many drugs so careful monitoring required.
Known uses
Asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odour, bursitis, canker sores, chronic exhaustion, melancholy, influenza, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, liver troubles, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, arthritis, tuberculosis, ulcers, and yeast infections.
Side effects
Long term use could cause hypertension, hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels), cataracts, and fluid retention
