Licorice Root: Herbal Uses and Benefits

Image credit: nccih.nih.gov

What is licorice root called?

Common Names: licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan cao, gan zao, Chinese licorice Latin Names: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflata Licorice root is cultivated throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is used as a flavoring in candy, other foods, beverages, and tobacco products.

What is licorice root used for?

Licorice root has been used for thousands of years to help treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory conditions and digestive distress. Its plant compounds demonstrate potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

Can licorice root be used as a supplement?

Still, as this compound also contributes numerous benefits, it’s unclear whether DGL products have the same positive health effects. You can consume licorice root as a tea, tincture, powder, or supplement. It can also be applied topically as a gel.

What is licorice root?

When we talk about licorice, we’re really talking about glycyrrhiza root (aka Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, or Glycyrrhiza inflata ). This is the source of licorice’s unique flavor flave. In addition to tasting great, peeps take licorice root for its various health benefits.

Where does the word licorice come from?

The word liquorice, or licorice, is derived via the Anglo-French lycorys, from Late Latin liquiritia, itself ultimately derived from Greek γλυκύρριζα, glykyrrhiza (the Modern Greek spelling of the genus is γλυκόριζα, glykoriza) literally meaning 'sweet root' and referring to Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Is licorice root safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed licorice root to be generally recognized as safe for use in foods ( 2 ). However, the FDA does not currently evaluate or verify supplements for purity, effectiveness, or accuracy of ingredient labeling. Additionally, the short-term use of licorice root supplements and teas is widely considered safe.

What Is Licorice Root

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/licorice-root
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323761
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-licorice-root-89727
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquorice
5. https://draxe.com/nutrition/licorice-root/
6. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-licorice-root
7. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root
8. https://greatist.com/health/licorice-root
9. https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/licorice-health-benefits/
10. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7877890/health-benefits-of-licorice-root/

Licorice Root Information

1. https://www.britannica.com/plant/licorice