Juicing For Health - Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Name
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) also known as Zhi Gan Cao, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice), Gan Cao, Kan-ts'ao, Kuo-lao, Licorice, Licorice Root, Ling-t'ung, Liquorice, Mei-ts'ao, Mi-kan, Mi-ts'ao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood and Yasti Madhu.
Parts Used
Roots.
Information
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. Licorice's main active component is thought to be a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid).
There are 3 main types of licorice used for its medicinal properties, the american licorice(g.glabra), chinese licorice(g.uralensis) and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). High doses long term using standard licorice can cause a few problems mostly due to potassium depletion so this is when DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is more commonly used mainly for conditions of the digestive tract.
Traditionally licorice root has been used for hundreds of years as an alternative medicine for the treatment of dry cough, canker sores sore throat, respiratory complaints, laryngitis, diabetes, tuberculosis, inflammatory disorders, gastrointestinal upset, cramps, gas, nausea, adrenal insufficiency, liver health, balance hormones, allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, enlarged prostate, ulcers, yeast infections, fever, herpes virus infection, glandular health, premenstrual syndrome/menopausal symptoms, stimulates the immune system and fights bacterial, viral and parasitic infection.
Benefits
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers
- Hepatitis
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome/Menopausal Symptoms
- Immune System
- Upper Respiratory Infections
Licorice root is a great herb for the treatment of adrenal fatigue. Licorice supports and stimulates adrenal gland function helping prevent the breakdown of cortisol awell as the over-release. Licorice is also a good aid for balancing hormones due to its phytoestrogen content.
Licorice root particularly deglycyrrhized licorice(DGL) has been showen to help ulcers because it accelerates the healing of the stomach lining. Deglycyrrhized licorice root (DGL) have been used to get people off of antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibiters.
Licorice is said to protect the liver and promotes healing of this vital organ. Licorice also fights the virus responsible for hepatitis and stops it from replicating and its strong anti-inflammatory properties help hepatitis assosiated liver inflammation.
Licorice root is a rich source of phyto-estrogens. Phyto-estrogens act as weak estrogens which help block up the receptors so more harmful estrogens arent absorbed. This helps to achieve hormonal balance which helps to relieve the symptoms assosiated with PMS and menopause.
Licorice has been shown to stimulate the production of interferon and may help inhibit the replication of HIV. Fights bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infection.
Traditionally licorice was recommended for ailments of the upper repiratory tract such as coughs and asthma. Research has shown mixed results on how effective it is for this purpose.
Side Effects/Precautions
The side effects associated with licorice use include water retention, stomach pain, headache, shortness of breath, joint stiffness and high blood pressure(if high doses are used long term).
Licorice root is known to raise blood pressure with chronic use and high doses, some herbalists recommend you use for no longer than 7 days at a time. Although it is known that it would takes massive doses such as 50 grams for a period of 6 months to cause the rise in blood pressure, supplementing with potassium sources can lower risk of side effects such as water rention also.
Should not be used during pregnancy, or by persons with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, severe menstrual problems or a history of stroke. If taking prednisone be careful as it prolongs the effects of licorice root.
There are two different types of licorice sold, the american licorice(G. glabra) which has stimulative properties and the chinese licorice(G. uralensis) which is more calming to the adrenal glands.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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