Licorice Root – A Means Of Soothing The Stomach
Licorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used as a remedy for various types of ailments for a long, long time. The food industry also uses it as a sweetener and to soften the taste of some medicines due to its characteristic sweet taste.
You can also find it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, extracts and supplements. Its purpose is thus, among other things, to relieve the discomfort associated with digestion, menopausal symptoms and infections.
But is it safe? Is there any evidence related to its properties mentioned? There is not yet enough evidence to consider this root to be a treatment for a disease. However, some studies support the use of it as a dietary supplement for the discomfort associated with digestion.
Properties of licorice root
First, we will make a brief review of the properties of licorice root. According to information published in Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B , this plant contains more than 20 triterpenoids and almost 300 flavonoids. These may explain its pharmacological properties.
Some of its features:
- Antiviral.
- Antimicrobial.
- Antioxidant.
- Anti-inflammatory.
So far, there is still limited evidence regarding it and licorice root is still being investigated. However, some studies show that its effects are promising for future development of effective drugs at an affordable price.
Licorice root can soothe stomach discomfort
There is a common belief that some of the chemicals in licorice root, such as flavonoids, can help reduce bloating and promote relief of gastrointestinal problems. There is no conclusive evidence of this yet, but some studies have led to interesting discoveries.
For example, a double-blind study published in the medical journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that an extract of glabridin and glabren flavonoids, which is in licorice root, was helpful in soothing stomach discomfort such as nausea, abdominal pain and heartburn.
Meanwhile, a review published in Phytotherapy Research says that glycyrrhizinic acid, which is in licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties that help fight the H. pylori bacterium, which is a microorganism that causes various digestive disorders such as stomach ulcers.
It was also proven in a clinical trial published in The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. In it, 120 people experienced positive effects in the eradication of H. pylori after adding licorice extract to their regular treatment.
Contraindications
You need to talk to a doctor before using licorice root as a supplement for digestive problems, in order to establish the appropriate dose for you. In addition, they may help establish contraindications or possible interactions with other drugs.
According to information gathered by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) , no one should consume licorice root in excessive amounts or for extended periods of time. Excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure and low levels of potassium, and these factors increase the risk of disorders associated with the heart and muscles.
Consumption of it is not recommended during pregnancy. It can also be harmful to the heart if you take supplements with licorice root, while also taking diuretics. Other possible drug interactions include the following:
- Drugs to regulate the heart rate.
- Potassium reducing agents.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin.
- Estrogen, hormone therapy and birth control pills.
- Corticosteroids.
How to use it to relieve stomach discomfort
At present, licorice root is available as chewable tablets, liquid extracts, capsules, powder and in its natural form. People often use the latter to make tea. It should be taken in moderation to avoid any side effects.
In order to relieve stomach discomfort, some licorice root extract is added to any natural beverage. Hot water is excellent for that. One can also get a few drops directly on the tongue to relieve heartburn.
In any case, one should keep in mind that it is not the first choice for treating disorders of the digestive system. Therefore, talk to a doctor if you have any digestive problems.
