BellyBytes.com

We all know what licorice is, right? Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid). Well, the root of this treat has many benefits:

A Remedy...

• Licorice Root is one of the most widely used remedies in all herbal systems.
• Licorice root has been used as a dietary supplement for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.

Improves libido...

• Licorice Root is used to improve eyesight, physical strength, sexual potency and libido.

Calms...

• Licorice calms down sensitive tissues and helps to reduce seasonal sneezing and congestion.

Preserves...

• Licorice Root preserves the effect of the body's hormone, cortisol, allowing it to maintain longer anti-inflammatory action.

Promotes skin health...

• Licorice Root is a major for skin health, and it protects the liver.

Balances blood sugar...

• A blood sugar balancer, Licorice Root soothes indigestion and heartburn, or a sore throat.

• Peeled licorice root is available in dried and powdered forms.
• Licorice root is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.
• Licorice can be found with glycyrrhizin removed; the product is called DGL (for "deglycyrrhizinated licorice").

Licorice Root Herbal Dietary Supplement -- Provides respiratory support, supports the liver, helps balance other herbs. Licorice is a member of the legume family. Its major constituent, glycyrrhizin, is 50 times sweeter than sucrose. Licorice is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in China. Suggested Use: Take three capsules three times daily, preferably with food.

Licorice Root Liquid -- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) is a sweet herb that possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice may be helpful for adrenal insufficiencies or exhaustion, allergies, headaches, Addison disease, colds, soothes coughs, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, liver protectant, female complaints, stomach inflammation and ulcers, colitis, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, immune weakness and lung problems. Simply put drops into water.

• In large amounts, licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems. DGL products (above) are thought to cause fewer side effects.
• The safety of using licorice as a supplement for more than 4 to 6 weeks has not been thoroughly studied.
• Taking licorice together with diuretics (water pills) or other medicines that reduce the body's potassium levels could cause dangerously low potassium levels.
• People with heart disease or high blood pressure should be cautious about using licorice.
• When taken in large amounts, licorice can affect the body's levels of a hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs, such as prednisone.
• Pregnant women should avoid using licorice as a supplement or consuming large amounts of licorice as food, as some research suggests it could increase the risk of preterm labor.
• Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including licorice root. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

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