If you’ve read my blog you know I use licorice root on a regular basis. Before I go any further let me say licorice root is not for everyone. So please get your doctors go ahead before you use this supplement.

So What is Licorice Root?

Licorice root is part of the bean family native to West Asia, North Africa and Southern Europe. Licorice root, is a plant root that has a sweet taste. I think it’s delicious because note if you have celiac licorice candy is big no-no. This is as close as we get. The best news not only does it taste good, It has been used for its medicinal qualities for centuries. I’m always blown away how the earth creates so many wonderful things that nourish and heal our bodies. Licorice root is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb.

What it Can Help With?

1. Most importantly at least to me, is it improves gut health. Licorice root can help with GERD, ulcers, nausea. How? Licorice root helps create a coating which protects the lining of the stomach from excess acid. It also can help restore stomach balance. The acid in the root also suppresses the dreaded H. Pylori. It is also great for stimulating digestion.
2. It May help with some Cancer Treatments. Licorice root can help protect against DNA damage.
3. It can assist with Brain Health. Because of its anti inflammatory properties it may help with inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s.
4. May Aid in Blood Sugar Control. According to the American Diabetes Association the root of licorice has amorfritans which have anti-diabetic properties.
5. May Assist with Weight Loss. One study showed that licorice root could be effective in reducing abdominal body fat and improving a persons lipid profile. The study did not show they loss weight but rather the women’s percentage of body fat dropped by 3% over 8 weeks with no other changes in their diet.
6. It Can Help Maintain Liver Health. Glycyrrhizin which is a set of compounds in licorice root that is shown to help alleviate liver toxicity
7. Can Help Balance your Hormones. Licorice Root can activate estrogen receptors in the body. Decrease the symptoms of menopause. Can help balance irregular ovarian follicles and decrease ovarian cysts.
8. Expect Better Oral Health. Licorice Root can also help your oral health by soothing gums and ulcers in the mouth.
9. It Can assist with Skin Issues. Topical licorice root can help skin wounds heal faster, and is useful in treating rosacea and dermatitis.
10. It Can Ease Symptoms of the Common Cold. Licorice root is fantastic for soothing a sore throat. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits are what put licorice root on the map in the U.S. Specifically it shown to battle the bacterial and biofilms that are caused by strep throat, and will even soothe the symptoms of asthma.
11. Boost Immunity. The most important bioactive component of licorice root helps to strengthen the immune system. It also helps fight off free radicals.
12. Reduces Stress. It helps to reduce stress by preventing the breakdown of cortisol which maintains your energy levels and results in a better response to those stressful moments we all have in life.

Ways to Put Licorice Root in your Diet.

1. Tea – this is by far my favorite way to take licorice root and is a part of my morning routine. (Click here)
2. Tincture Licorice Root Tincture
3. Supplements. I keep this on hand.
4. Gel/Cream. (Click Here)
5. Candy/Lozenges (Click Here)

Who Shouldn’t use Licorice Root?

• Pregnant women
• Those with high blood pressure
• Those who struggle with Heart disease
• Hormone sensitive cancer patients

As always, when you’re taking a new supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure it’s OK for you. This route is safe in small dosages for most people, but everybody’s different.

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