Source of iron 
 

Anciently, licorice was used by the Egyptians as a beverage and pharmaceutical element. As medicine, it was used to treat skin diseases, eye ailments, loss of hair, coughs, bronchitis, colds. Licorice is a plant of the pea family and also a perennial herb that produces blue flowers. It first originated in the Mediterranean, Southern Europe as well as Asia but currently it is cultivated in Iran, Russia, India as well as Spain. The most important part of this perennial plant is the root which mainly comprises of glycyrrhizic acid that is approximately fifty times much sweeter than sugar from sugarcanes.

The main application of licorice is to add flavor to alcohol, food, tobacco, licorice candy as well as cosmetics. It is made though two major processes namely: the rope extrusion process as well as the cornstarch molding process.

Licorice Extracts Health Benefits

Licorice extract is commonly used for confectionery seasoning, home remedies as well as treatment of different illnesses. It is very sweet and used as a source of iron. Licorice root is crushed, boiled and the black paste extracted used as a mild laxative, treatment of coughs as well as particular infections. It is mainly used as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and also an expectorant.

Licorice Extracts  Benefits in Viral Infections

Licorice extract has been determined to contain anti-viral properties and used to treat the viral family of herpes such as cold sores, shingles, chicken pox, genital herpes as well as viral hepatitis.

Licorice Extracts  Benefits in Stomach Ulcers

Peptic ulcers can also be treated using licorice extract. For those taking aspirin that can corrode the digestive tract lining, licorice can be used to prevent stomach ulcers that might form as a result. It enhances healing of duodenal as well as gastric ulcers by treating their root causes. Most stomach ulcers and inflammations are mainly caused by a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori. Licorice extract is popular for the treatment of digestive tract ulcers due to the fact that it contains flavonoids that kill this ulcer causing bacteria. For stimulation of the bowels and kidneys as well as treatment of gastric disorders, licorice extract is mixed with herbal teas for more effectiveness.

Licorice Extracts  Benefits in Respiratory Infection

Licorice extract is an expectorant and soothing agent that is used to loosen phlegm and also increase the production of mucus. Licorice is a good remedy for lung infections as well as persistent coughs. It is also used to treat colds, coughs as well as flu since it has a component that suppresses coughs. Licorice extract contains constituent compounds that are very active used to coat and soothe respiratory tracts that are itchy or irritating. Due to its anti-viral properties, it can be used to ensure that upper respiratory infections heal very fast. Since time immemorial, it has also been used to treat asthma or reduce it occurrence. For the treatment of bronchitis, licorice extract is mixed with natural honey and taken as a 5mg dose. The root of licorice plant can also be chewed instead of crashing it.

Licorice Extracts  Benefits in Hormonal Imbalances

Estrogenic compounds are also active components of licorice extracts. These compounds include dianethole, anethole and even photoanethole. This compound enhances the production and release of reproductive hormones like estrogen, prolactin and also progesterone. Illnesses that are related to hormones like polycystic ovarian syndrome can also be treated with licorice extract. Menstrual abnormalities as well as labor are induced using licorice extract. In management of menstrual cramps, licorice extract is mixed with anti-spasmodic herbs and used to make it which is taken either warm or hot.

Licorice Extracts  Benefits in Skin Ailments

Several pastes, creams as well as gels are made with licorice extracts to treat psoriasis which is an inflammatory skin condition that has severe symptoms such as weeping sores.

Detoxification Properties

Licorice extract is also used as an antidote as well as detoxicant of poisonous substances from the body such as salmonella. This antioxidant property of licorice has been proven to help in treating kidney problems and thus improving its functionality.

Licorice Extracts  Benefits in Yeast Infection

Most women suffer from yeast infection caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans. In addition to other kinds of yeast infection, licorice extract can be used to prevent or inhibit such infections. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, licochalcone A as well as glabridin that inhibit the growth of yeast infections.

Licorice Extracts  Benefits in Diabetes

Licorice extract is also used to treat mild cognitive problems that arise from diabetes. The flavinoid component of licorice is used for the enhancement of memory, strengthening of body nerves and also used to treat diseases of the liver.

Low Fat Diet

Licorice extract is fat free thus perfect for those on a diet or looking to lose weight. This helps reduce risks of getting heart disease that are normally brought about by a high intake of calories or fatty foods. Thus, instead of taking snacks that are usually high in calories, licorice candies are a better option. Hence the candy can be used as a snack.

Side-effect and Precautions

Too much licorice should not be taken for a prolonged period of time since it is a very strong hence can lead to health problems. People with certain health conditions such as glaucoma, blood pressure, liver or kidney ailments, diabetes as well as those on digitalis should only take a limited amount of licorice extract. Excessive use of it can also cause damages to body muscle tissues or cause a condition known as pseudo-aldosteronism.