Benefits Of Licorice Root

The benefits of licorice root is used to help with many health and skin problems, and commonly used in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine.

There are two types of licorice root, one which contains ‘glycyrrhizinate’ and one where this component has been removed called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice).

Licorice root side effects can happen, if taking licorice containing the compound ‘glycyrhizinate’.  These may be; high blood pressure, low potassium levels, muscle pain and fluid retention.  People with heart disease or high blood pressure, should probably avoid this licorice root all together.

In fact, if you are on any type of medication, it would be a good idea to speak with your Practitioner first.

For many people seeking an alternative to traditional medicine, licorice root extract may be the answer.

Licorice can be taken in capsule, pills powder, liquid or tea.  It comes from the licorice plant, and the root of the plant is pounded to make a powder.

Licorice extract can be found as one of the key ingredients in creams to help with rosacea.  For any type of redness of the skin, you can mix a little licorice powder with some aloe vera gel and rub on your skin, leave for around 15 to 20 minutes and wash off with warm water.

The main component in licorice is called ‘glycyrrhizinate’, and it makes a great anti inflammatory, moisturizer and contains antioxidants.

It also has the ability to lighten skin and can be found in many skin whitening creams.  Another component found in this amazing herb called ‘glabridin’ is able to hinder melanin (responsible for colouring the skins pigments).

If you are looking for a product which contains licorice, make sure that this ingredient is listed somewhere in the top half of the ingredients, because the lower down they go, it usually means the amount used is less.

The benefits of licorice root is good for; lowering cholesterol levels, strengthen immune system, hepatitis B, relief from colds, heartburn, gout, body odor, yeast infections, HIV and influenza.

Licorice root extract contains anti-depressant compounds, and can be used in the same way as the benefits of St Johns Wort.

You can find licorice root in many other products, such as; teas, candy and liquids.

Avoid taking this herb with other herbs, namely; senna, aloe vera, castor oil and buckthorn, as other herbs taken with licorice, may reduce your potassium levels to an even lower amount.

Licorice root side effects may be experienced if taken for a long period of time.

To get the most out of the benefits of licorice root, it should only be taken for a few weeks at a time.

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