August 14, 2017
4 Key Benefits of Super Herb: Licorice
Licorice is an immune supportive herb. It has been classified as ‘antiviral,’ ‘antibacterial,’ and promotes cell production and activity. Let’s first discuss how this super herb came to be so well-known to the health community. Licorice is the root of the plant named glycyrrhiza glabra. In recent years, and with ongoing research, this herb has been an option for bacterial problems in our digestive track, used for detoxifications, immune boosting, and shares common antibiotic characteristics. In other words, it’s a natural super anti-inflammatory herb.
Here are 4 significant benefits offered by licorice to support our health:
Respiratory aid
Licorice has been used successfully as a cold suppressant. It is known to sooth sore throats as well as it acts as a demulcent (a fancy way of saying it reduces inflammation in areas that contain mucous (i.e., throats during a cough or cold)). It can be used to fight viruses, like bronchitis or other chest infections, that affect our respiratory system. It is an immune boosting herb, that has a subtle taste and is tolerable for most.
Stomach and intestinal remedy
Licorice is known to have an ulcer-reducing effect. It helps block bacterial growth in our digestive track, which is the home for bacterium that concentrates, accumulates and are associated with many ulcers, one of which is peptic ulcers. It aids in lowering stomach acid, relieving heartburn and improving digestion. It has has also been used effectively as a laxative, relieving constipation. Note, there are certain foods, such as meats, that require an acidic environment for digestion. This type of herbal remedy is probably useful for those who have digestive issues with certain carbohydrates.
Detoxifier
Licorice is a liver protecting herb (as we know, this is the primary toxin fighting organ in our bodies). It promotes liver cell production and activity to create a detoxifying effect when potential toxic damage could occur. In other words, licorice is a liver cleanser, so the liver can process toxins effectively. As mentioned above, this super herb will work within the digestive track as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent cleansing our intestinal tracks of harmful microbes.
Stress and Pain Reliever
Licorice is an adrenal stimulator. In other words we can refer to it as an “anti-stress” herb. It stimulates our adrenal gland by improving our resistance to stress and preventing the breakdown of cortisol (one of the primary hormones produced by our adrenal gland). In cases of pain induced by surgery, arthritis, or mental and physical fatigue, having this hormone available in our bodies, while controlled effectively and not abused, helps tremendously in handling pain and stress in all facets of our well-being.
As we can see licorice is a natural herbal wonder, with an invaluable and impressing list of anti-inflammatory properties, all of which help common human ailments.
*Licorice should be consumed in its natural form (licorice root), not candied. ALERT: Black jube jubes will not provide the above benefits.
Do you use licorice as a common household remedy?
