Licorice Roots and Its Many Benefits - Part 1

Licorice Root Elixir

1. May Improve Gastrointestinal Health
Licorice root may help treat conditions like acid reflux. This could be especially true with DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice.  DGL is known to increase mucus production, and this can protect the stomach lining from excess acid. DGL may also help ease nausea and ulcers. The root can also treat heartburn and acid reflux associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and its other symptoms like vomiting.

2. May Assist Cancer Treatment
An American study states that licorice and its derivatives can offer protection against DNA damage. The polyphenols in the root also induce cancer cell death. Some research states that licorice may help in maintaining the quality of life of the patients better than chemotherapy. The glycyrrhizin in licorice induces cancer cell death in prostate cancer. Studies reveal its therapeutic potential against prostate cancer.

3. May Boost Brain Health
The glycyrrhizic acid in licorice was found to help treat neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in mice. The root may also keep mental skills sharp, though more research is warranted. Another compound in licorice, called liquiritigenin, was found to have anti-inflammatory properties. As a consequence, it may help treat the neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer’s.

4. May Improve Skin Health
Licorice root has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and demulcent properties that help heal various skin conditions, such as redness and inflammation. Licorice root may also brighten your skin. Application of cool licorice tea (elixir) may help in healing a number of skin disorders. Some of them could include eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and skin rashes. Incorporating licorice tea (elixir) in the diet may protect the skin from the harmful UV rays.

5. May Aid Diabetes Treatment
The molecules in licorice root were found to possess anti-diabetic properties in rat studies. More interestingly, diabetic rats that were given licorice extract experienced a drop in their blood sugar levels. 

6. May Help With Weight Loss
Preliminary research also states that licorice can decrease body fat mass. The root also has desirable effects on the thickness of body fat. Licorice tea (elixir) might also help reduce body fat and cholesterol levels though this is yet to be substantiated by evidence.

7. May Boost Liver Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice have been found to protect the liver from alcohol-induced injury. The root is also known to improve the antioxidant defense in this case. Studies have also shown how licorice root can offer relief in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Licorice root was also found to have some therapeutic effect on other liver ailments like jaundice.

Borrowed from StyleCraze