Licorice is a
plant of many uses. The plant has many chemical constituents, one ingredient to
have healing power. The two major compound are glycyrrhizin and flavonoids. The
first compound contains anti-inflammatory property to control the inside and
outside inflammation in the body. It is best choice for the treatment of
arthritic pain and rheumatism. It inhibits the breakdown of cortisol.
Its
anti-viral compound has the ability to help control bacterial and viral
infection. Damaging micro-organisms can be found everywhere inside the human
body. It brings diseases and makes the body sickly. Skin, lung and digestive
diseases were formed due to the proliferation of bacteria in the body. It can
be prevented by the use of potent drugs and other known medicines. Its
flavonoid and chalcones found to be effective to heal the damaged cells in the
digestive tract.
It gives
protection to the liver cells against damaging free radicals. The notorious
Helicobacter pylori found to be the culprit in the development of ulcers and
inflammation in the digestive tract and the rest of the stomach.
It has soothing
and coating agents in the digestive system especially the many kinds of ulcers.
It helps relieve the persistent cough and soothe sore throat due to germ
habitation.
Licorice
found to be an ideal herbal alternative for the treatment of diabetes. It is good
for respiratory disease due to long infection especially tuberculosis.
Liquiritin is licorice extract. It is helpful to treat melasma known as
pigmentation disorder of the skin.
Licorice was
now produced worldwide into capsule and tablets for convenience. It was
available in many drugstores of the country. There was topical application of
liquiritin cream to be applied 2 times a day for about 4 weeks.
The chewable
de-glycyarhizinated licorice tablet (DGL) can give the same effect using raw
materials of licorice. Another licorice formulation is called standard licorice
tablet that contains glycyrrhizin. It was normally used in the treatment of
respiratory infection.
The DGL
tablet was used in the treatment of ulcer especially those coming from
duodenum. As anti-bacterial agents, it is best for the healing of canker sores
and other gum problems. It was an effective mouthwash for bad breath.
To use
licorice root capsules (6 grams per day) can give relief to chronic fatigue
syndrome. If concentrated extract was used, 500 mg 3 times a day is enough.
Licorice tea
was also available. To make tea, boil 14 grams of roots in 500 ml of water in
the duration of 15 minutes. Drink 2 cups a day.
Herbal
medicine has good and bad points. It has benefits and the risk. Side are common
if application is not carried properly above the recommended dosage or the
person is sensitive to the treatment or may affect his existing health
conditions instead of healing them. For other people, taking licorice
containing glycyrrhizin may increase blood pressure and cause water retention
in the body.
Taking 500 mg of it per day for about 1 week has effect by
decreasing the serum testosterone levels of healthy individuals like men. The
reaction is by blocking the enzyme important in the synthesis of testosterone.
Taking
licorice has limitation especially for people that can’t tolerate such
interaction inside the body. It is important to consult first with a doctor to
determine tolerance before taking any
types of preparation.
Shield your
body against many triggers that will cause unhealthy life. Staying healthy will
depend on your initiative to consistently protect them.
