Licorice: A Natural Healing Herb

Almost everyone has had licorice candy before, but many people haven’t even heard about the herb that gives the candy its name. This is a shame because the licorice root is a powerful medicine that can help you heal and live a healthier life.

Licorice candy is so named because black licorice actually used to contain the herb. While many licorice companies still use this powerful ingredient, it’s becoming harder and harder to find, especially in the United States.

The good news is that you can find the herb at most herbal supplement and natural grocery stores. It can be found in many forms, but the most popular are pills and tea. The best part is, there’s a reason it was used to flavor candy – it’s sweeter than sugar.

Here are just a few of the uses common medicinal uses of licorice:

* Teething babies – Licorice is a great way to ease the pain of breaking gums. Babies and children can chew directly on a licorice stick to help numb the pain. Plus licorice is sweet and cool so they enjoy it more than medicine. Just be sure to keep them from swallowing it.

* Cough – Licorice is a great expectorant, which means it helps break up mucus in your chest. Once the mucus is broken up, you can simply cough it out. This is a great for helping you get over a bad chest cold faster and getting you back to your old self. Plus it soothes and coats so it can ease a sore throat or a bad cough.

* Ulcers – The soothing properties that help with your throat when you cough can also be beneficial in treating ulcers. In fact, a synthetic form of licorice is already being used to treat ulcers in various parts of the world.

* Heart Health – Licorice is a great treatment for all around heart health. It has been show to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in as little as a month of treatment. In some people, it can lower blood pressure, and while it hasn’t been fully studied yet, it may prevent dangerous hardening of the arteries in the heart. Remember to talk to your doctor though, because some people can actually have a rise in blood pressure from licorice.

* Fat Loss – While licorice doesn’t promote weight loss, it has been shown to reduce the percentage of fat in the body, through oral and topical treatments. However, these studies were done on normal weight people and not those who are overweight or obese. While you may not lose weight overall, a lower BMI is much better for overall health.

Remember when using licorice, or any other herbal medication, to consult a medical or herbal specialist before using it. Natural doesn’t always mean safe. You can have side effects and interactions just like with any other medicine.

Licorice, in particular, can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure and should not be used if you have blood pressure issues or are pregnant. Also try to avoid other herbs or foods that may cause high blood pressure.

While these are just some of the uses, the full benefit of licorice is still being studied and discovered. It may be able to help anything from liver health to preventing the advancement of HIV.

Recommended Reading: The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person’s Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants

Disclaimer: This site does not give medical advice. Please consult your health care provider or naturopathic physician before using any of the remedies described in this site.

photo credit: jillyspoon

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Disclaimer: This website is not a substitute for consultation with your health care giver. You should not use any of the exercises or treatments mentioned in this website, without clearance from your physician or health care provider.

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