Licorice: Properties and Medical Uses

Licorice: Properties, Uses and Benefits of this Medicinal Plant

El licorice It is scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, and is a perennial plant of the Fabaceae family that has been used since ancient times in various cultures and medicinal traditions. Its name derives from the Greek, where glyks means "sweet" and rhiza means "root," which refers to its remarkable sweet flavor. This plant is not only used in the confectionery industry, but also has a wide range of medicinal properties that make it highly valued in phytotherapy, similar to medicinal plants such as chenopodium.

How is Licorice Obtained?

Licorice root is harvested primarily in autumn and, in some regions, also in winter. To obtain the root, plants that are at least three years old are used, and once extracted, these roots are usually air-dried. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizinic acid, a compound that is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar and is responsible for much of its medicinal properties. This harvesting process is essential, as is the case with other herbs such as agastache.

Medicinal Properties of Licorice

The chemical composition of licorice is quite rich and includes saponins, flavonoids, isoflavones, coumarins, phytosterols, and more. These substances give it various properties, including:

• Anti-inflammatory: Licorice has the ability to reduce inflammation in the body, making it an ally in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and rheumatic pain.
• Expectorants: Its use is beneficial for treating respiratory conditions, helping to relieve coughs and clear the airways of secretions.
• Antibacterial: Licorice acts as a natural antibiotic, helping to fight various bacterial infections.
• Gastrointestinal protection: It has been shown to help protect the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, promoting the healing of gastric ulcers and reducing heartburn.
• Hormonal effect: Glycyrrhizin has a chemical structure that can act as a corticosteroid, stimulating the activity of the adrenal glands.

Health Benefits of Licorice

In addition to its aforementioned properties, licorice has several health benefits, including:

1. Relief from cough and respiratory conditions: Its expectorant action makes it a popular remedy for combating bronchitis, laryngitis and colds, making it similar to other plants that help with colds.
2. Improves digestion: It is known to help relieve digestive problems, including indigestion and gastritis, thanks to its ability to protect the gastric mucosa.
3. Hepatoprotective action: It can help prevent liver damage and is beneficial in the treatment of hepatitis.
4. Stress reduction: Licorice has been found to help improve emotional well-being and reduce stress levels in some people.

How to Use Licorice Root

Liquorice can be used in a variety of ways, the most common being:

• Infusions: One of the most popular ways is to prepare licorice infusions. To make an effective infusion, boil 1 tablespoon of licorice root in a cup of water for 10 minutes. This tea is ideal for soothing a cough or easing an upset stomach.
• Extracts: Liquid licorice extracts are another option and are commonly used in the form of syrups or solutions, which can be taken in drops.
• Tablets: Licorice supplements can be found in capsule or tablet form, which are convenient for those seeking a more direct approach to treating certain health problems.

Precautions and Contraindications

Despite its numerous benefits, the use of licorice should be cautious. Some of the contraindications include:

• Long-term use is not recommended, as it can cause side effects such as fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
• People with hypertension, heart or kidney problems should avoid its consumption.
• It is important not to combine it with diuretics or hormonal treatments without proper medical supervision.

Interaction with Other Medications

Licorice can interact with several medications, so it's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting use, especially if you're already taking other medications. The most common interactions include:

• Medication for the blood pressure.
• Anticoagulants
• Diuretic drugs.
• Medications for hormonal disorders.

Licorice is a plant with multiple medicinal properties and health benefits, making it a valuable resource in both traditional and modern medicine. However, it is crucial to use it with caution and under the guidance of a specialist to avoid adverse effects. Its rich history and wide range of uses make licorice a fascinating plant that deserves a prominent place in the world of medicinal herbs.

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