Licorice Root

Explore the rich history of Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra/Uralensis) at Mushi.Store, globally utilized for centuries. Known by various names such as sweet root, sweetwood, and licorice, Licorice is a legume with significant potential in natural medicine.
This root possesses versatile properties, ranging from its potential as a sweetener to benefits for liver health and skincare. Originating from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, it is recognized in Chinese medicine as "gan zao" and in Ayurveda as "mulethi" or "yashtimadhu."
Its medicinal use dates back to ancient times, even mentioned by the Egyptians in their papyri. Discovered by the Greeks thousands of years ago, they named it Glycyrrhiza, derived from "glykys" (sweet) and "rhiza" (root).
Cultivated in Africa, Europe, and Asia, the plant reaches up to one meter in height, with an anise-flavored root rich in beta-carotene, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, and vitamin C.
The root is found in rocky, dry, or sandy locations, with a wide variety of historical uses, from healing teas to a spice for vodka and essential ingredients in sweets, highlighting its versatility and global presence.

Origin: Portugal

Ingredients: 100% Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra or Glycyrrhiza Uralensis).

🍯 Properties:

• Licorice root is sweet, widely used in syrups or various culinary purposes. It is so pleasantly sweet that a small piece, the size of a pencil eraser, can sweeten an entire beverage. It is also rich in glycyrrhizin. Its chemical composition comprises a wide range of properties, serving various factors and cases. Several studies have proven licorice to be effective in liver issues, adrenal problems, hormonal imbalances, and ulcers. Among its numerous components are vitamins (particularly vitamin C and B1), minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, chromium, cobalt...), flavonoids (antioxidants), proteins, and glycyrrhizin, the substance responsible for its sweetening power and anti-inflammatory and antacid properties.

🌹 Uses:

• Licorice root demonstrates significant benefits in treating skin problems, containing over 300 compounds with potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Studies highlight glycyrrhizin as a component associated with these benefits. The root extract is used to treat various skin diseases, including acne and eczema. Additionally, the plant has properties that eliminate fungi and bacteria, being effective against various bacterial strains. It has antioxidant action, regulates blood sugar, combats malaria, and stimulates the immune system by increasing the production of lymphocytes and macrophages. Its anti-inflammatory action surpasses hydrocortisone without affecting the stomach lining. Licorice root also protects the stomach and liver, offering hepatoprotective benefits. Its use is associated with reducing symptoms of respiratory diseases, relieving cough with phlegm, and aiding in mucus elimination. Moreover, studies suggest its potential in preventing throat infections and reducing pain after surgeries. Despite its promising properties, it is essential to use licorice root with caution, as excessive use can lead to side effects such as fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

🌹 How to Use:
The part of licorice commonly used is its root, from which its active substances are extracted. One of the most popular forms of use is tea. To aid digestion, it is common to combine licorice with mint.

🍃 Preparation:

• Water temperature: 100º
• Infusion time: 5 to 10 minutes
• Recommended quantity: 5 grams of licorice root for 500 mL of water.
• Place 5 grams of licorice root in 500 mL of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Then let it cool, strain, and drink up to 2 cups per day, or as directed by an herbalist or doctor.

✨ Possible Side Effects:

• It is important to emphasize that chronic use and large doses of licorice root products can lead to the accumulation of glycyrrhizin in the body, causing an abnormal increase in the stress hormone cortisol, leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. As a result, excessive doses of licorice root products can trigger various dangerous symptoms, including low potassium levels, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and abnormal heartbeats. Although rare, licorice poisoning can occur, resulting in the development of kidney failure, congestive heart failure, or excessive fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Therefore, individuals with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or low blood potassium levels are encouraged to completely avoid licorice products containing glycyrrhizin.

✨ Who Should Avoid:

• Since it has various side effects, licorice should always be used under the guidance of a doctor, herbalist, or other healthcare professional familiar with the use of medicinal plants. Its use is completely contraindicated in people with high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney diseases, and low blood potassium levels. Additionally, licorice should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Finally, licorice can also interact with some medications, especially those for high blood pressure, anticoagulants, diuretics, contraceptives, and anti-inflammatories.

Although licorice root has health benefits, it does not replace the treatment recommended by a doctor, serving only as a supplement, and should be used only under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.