What is it
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant belonging to the Legume family that grows wild in the Mediterranean basin.
It is used in phytotherapy and confectionery industry.
Activities
From the licorice root an extract is obtained whose properties are linked to the presence of flavonoids and saponins.
Among these, in particular, it should be mentioned glycyrrhizin, to which we owe the anti-inflammatory, protective and healing action on the gastric and duodenal mucosa, both by direct contact and thanks to the stimulation of mucus production by the cells of the stomach wall.
The antispasmodic effect is linked to flavonoids.
Licorice also has a protective action on the liver, limits the release of histamine, thus counteracting allergic processes, and causes an increase in blood pressure promoting water retention and potassium loss.
Why is it used
Historically, licorice is used as a protector of the gastric mucosa in case of stomach pain or digestive disorders, as a cough suppressant, as an antispasmodic (in association with laxatives) and also as a flavor corrector.
Did you know that when you have a cough you have to be careful about what you eat? Read this article if you want to know more.
A certain usefulness of licorice in hepatitis C has also been demonstrated, with the aim of counteracting the risk of hepatocarcinoma.
How to use it
Licorice is used in the form of juice (1.5-3 g per day for gastroduodenal ulcer and 0.5-1 g per day in case of cough with phlegm), herbal tea (8 g / day maximum), roots (1.5 g in 150 ml of boiling water; they can also be sucked) and mother tincture, or nebulized dry extract and titrated in glycyrrhizic acid minimum 4% (500-700 mg per day).
Effects
Increased blood pressure and potassium deficiency are the main side effects. In case of prolonged overdose for long periods, muscle pain may occur.
Precautions
Licorice is contraindicated in case of hypertension, potassium deficiency in the blood (hypokalemia), overweight, pregnancy, renal failure.
Interactions
The main interactions concern: calcium salts, insulin (risk of hypokalemia). It can reduce the effect of major medications used to lower blood pressure. Oral contraceptives increase its action on blood pressure.
Nutritional values
100 grams of licorice contain:
| Kcal | 375 |
| Proteins | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 93.55 g |
| Sugars | 70 g |
| Fats | 0.05 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Potassium | 37 mg |
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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