Licorice(Yashtimadhu) Herb - Medicinal Benefits

Licorice basically belongs to pulse group biologically named as "Glycyrrhza Glabra". Licorice is grown for getting its roots that have a various use in the field of medical as well as beverage and food. This is also known as sweet root because the root contains the sweetness much more than sugar and do not need any sweetness addition for intake. Licorice has a wide use in medical field; it is helpful in curing much kind of diseases and infections like stomach infections, heart burns and other stomach problems like ulcers, inflammation and also helps in digestion. It is also used in cough, asthma, throat problem, and liver problems. If one looks for the uses of licorice then he will get to know that this herb is used in almost all the fields and have wide range in medication.

Licorice was discovered in ancient Ayurveda as one of the richest herb that can be served in almost all kind of medical problems. So, licorice has a very long/old and great history.
 
History says that there was a king named King Tut wanted to take this licorice root with him so that he can have this “sweet root” with him there also and he can have that when he want.  Ancient time, this “sweet root” was used for beverage also for kings. Those kings include the Roman Emperor Caesar, Alexander, India’s prophet “Brahma” who had apprized the benefits and properties of Licorice. Since from their time we are following and using the Licorice as medically and in our food.

Licorice is very effective in curing some certain serious diseases like liver disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), osteoarthritis etc. Licorice, being herb is used as ayurvedic and herbal medicines for medical treatment. A lot of benefits and positive effects are there that can be considered for the Licorice as Rich Herb.

If we look for how Licorice is effective then let’s have a look on the effectiveness of Licorice:

• Hepatitis: Licorice has some property that helps in curing Hepatitis when treated medically
• Licorice is helpful in digestive system. The effective property of this helps to cure the digestive problems.
• Some other stomach problems like stomach ulcers, stomach inflammation can also be cured by Licorice.
• Some people use Licorice as treatment of hair fall and are effective also.
• Licorice root is helpful in treating different kind of infections and allergies like cough also.
• Licorice is used for treatment of arthritis.
• Major disease like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is also treated by Licorice.
• The chemicals or properties in Licorice help in decreasing the swelling and mucus secretion.
• It also fights against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections.

Licorice enhances the action of other herbs when taken in a formula.

How does it work?

The active ingredients or particles in Licorice makes it special and helps to fight against different kind of problems and diseases. Licorice combined with other herbs proven more beneficial in some special kind of treatments.

In India it is known as “Mulethi” and widely used in herbal field for various purposes.

Licorice was initially grown in Europe and central Asia known as “sweet root”. This was used to make candies and also some flavored chewing sticks. This herb is much sweeter than sugar; it is calculated approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar. From ancient time, Licorice is used in china, India etc. countries for making medicines. The main part used for medicine is the Licorice root. If we see for the benefits of Licorice then we could enlist a number of reasons for using Licorice!!

Let’s have few of them discussed here:

• It is proven that Licorice helps in healing ulcer, asthma, cough, cold sore, bronchitis , throat infection etc.

• It also cures the liver problems like Cirrhosis or hepatitis of all types (B, C etc.).

• It fights against the high cholesterol problem and also the Obesity.

• Licorice is beneficial in getting rid over skin problems.

• It cures the Eczema.

• Licorice can also be used for treating HIV related diseases.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is also treated by Licorice.

• It is also beneficial in heart problems.

As Licorice is a kind of herb, it does not contain any harmful contents but still there are some circumstances to be considered that may cause some kind of side effects:

• The most important thing should be taken care is that never take Licorice during pregnancy, Licorice will cause high blood pressure during this time due to secretion of aldosterone hormone.

• Licorice is not advised to take daily for more than a week; it may cause high blood pressure.

• If you are under medical treatment for diabetes or high blood pressure etc., then it is better to avoid Licorice intake.

• PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) patients are advised to not take Licorice during PMS, it causes water retention.

Precautions:

There are some restrictions for using or intake of Licorice, please consider them always.

• Do not use Licorice if you are pregnant.
• Do not use Licorice if you are suffering from heart problem and high blood pressure.
• Do not use it if you have high potassium level.
• Avoid it during surgery period and also 2 weeks before surgery.
• If you have symptoms of breast or urine cancers then please avoid Licorice.