Did you know that liquorice is used as an effective treatment modality for ulcers, colitis, gastritis, heartburn and constipation? Yes, that is right; liquorice contains a number of benefits in a single package that makes it ideal to be taken to treat a number of gastrointestinal problems.

It is used as a medicinal herb in treating the dreaded hepatitis B and C. Liquorice has been used for many centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medication to provide relief for many ailments.

Taking liquorice internally has many widespread uses such as the ones listed below.

1. Prevents adrenal fatigue:

Adrenal gland plays a huge role in hormonal balances and is responsible for secreting the stress related hormone cortisone also. Liquorice helps to reduce the levels of cortisol which helps our system. A study published in the journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism has proven that liquorice’s component glycyrrhizic acid inhibits the pathway that makes way for the conversion of cortisol into cortisone. In turn, it boosts energy levels and increases endurance. This also stimulates conversion of carbohydrates and suppresses any inflammation in the stomach and gut.

2. Cures constipation:

Liquorice is a well known laxative. In other words, it clears bowel movements and prevents constipation. Taking liquorice tea is an easy way to prevent constipation, bleeding of haemorrhoid glands and irritation in the bowels.

3. Cleansing activity:

Liquorice reduces the stress on kidneys and other organs in blood purification since it is a detoxifier in itself. It cleanses the body and removes excess cholesterol. In diabetic people, hypoglycaemia or reduced blood sugar level is common. Liquorice is actually seventy times sweeter than sugar and is a capable of slightly increasing blood sugar levels when needed, without causing a concerning sugar spike. For this reason, it is exploited in diabetic medication preparation also.

4. Regulates digestive metabolism:

Liquorice contains two important chemicals called flavonoids and chalcones. These are also antioxidants. They enable liquorice treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal problems. These chemicals help in controlling infection and resultant inflammation. They protect the inner mucous lining in the GI tract. They also aid proper Digestion and bowel movement.

5. Controls kidney disease:

Liquorice has also been used in treating kidney diseases and preventing them. Liquorice also helps in regulating bile production in the liver and helps in maintaining a healthy liver which is essential for proper fat metabolism.

6. Cures infection due to microbes:

It is powerful against hepatitis infection and infections caused by worms and parasites. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that make it a gut-friendly natural medicine that can be consumed on a regular basis.

7. Treats ulcers:

Since olden times, liquorice has been used to treat ulcers in the mouth, stomach, colon and intestines. The healing properties of liquorice allow it to have a soothing effect on the mucous membrane and inner linings of the intestines. Deglycyrrhizinated extracts taken from liquorice roots are often used to treat peptic ulcers.

Some doctors recommend taking liquorice tea twice or thrice a day as a measure to keep ulcer under control and aid proper healing.

8. Treats urinary tract infections:

Liquorice helps to treat autoimmune disorders and boost immunity. It is hence a powerful home remedy for urinary tract infections. Especially in young children wherein other strong medication could have counter effects, liquorice offers a safe and easy solution to subside the symptoms, alleviate pain and cure urinary tract infections.

Liquorice has many more benefits that are used in treating skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, etc. It is also used to treat conditions related to the respiratory tract such as asthma and lupus. Its hepato-protective, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant tendencies make it a highly regarded ingredient for medicinal preparations.

Studies have it that liquorice helps in cancer prevention also. The many widespread applications of liquorice roots are yet to be discovered in full detail. We may very well be in for a surprise to know that this root is capable of doing much more than we know.

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