Licorice has long been used as a traditional medicine to relieve coughs and treat symptoms of stomach acid. Not only that, this herbal plant also has a variety of other health benefits.
Licorice is a type of herbal plant that grows in many parts of Asia, including Indonesia. The roots have long been used to treat various health problems, such as eczema, constipation, and gastric ulcers.
Licorice is often processed into herbal teas and consumed by brewing it with warm water. In addition, plants that have a Latin name Glycyrrhiza glabra It is also available in candy and supplement form.
Licorice contains nutrients that are good for the body, such as carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fat. Not only that, this herbal plant is also rich in antioxidants and one of them is glycyrrhizin.
Various Benefits of Licorice for Health
The following are the various health benefits of licorice that you can get:
1. Launch the respiratory tract
Research shows that consuming licorice tea can relieve coughs and sore throats. Not only that, licorice is also believed to be useful for alleviating asthma symptoms.
However, the benefits of licorice to smooth the respiratory tract still require further research.
2. Maintain skin health
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in licorice are believed to be good for preventing atopic dermatitis and the appearance of signs of premature aging on the skin due to exposure to ultraviolet light. In addition, the antioxidant content glycyrrhizic in licorice is also believed to be able to overcome acne.
3. Relieve indigestion
Licorice extract is believed to relieve symptoms of GERD, such as a burning sensation in the chest and abdominal pain. The antioxidant content in licorice is also believed to inhibit the spread of bacteria H.pylori causes of gastric ulcers.
4. Inhibit the growth of cancer cells
Licorice has anticancer properties which are believed to prevent or slow the growth of cancer cells, such as skin cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
However, research on the benefits of licorice to inhibit the growth of cancer cells is still limited and needs further research.
5. Prevent tooth decay
The antibacterial content in licorice is believed to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. To get these benefits, you can use a toothpaste that contains licorice extract in it.
In addition to the above benefits, licorice is also believed to be good for controlling blood sugar levels, reducing menopause symptoms, and losing weight.
Although licorice has many health benefits, you should not consume licorice in large quantities and for a long time. This is because consuming licorice in excess can trigger several health problems, such as muscle weakness, hypertension, and arrhythmias.
Not only that, pregnant and breastfeeding women are also not advised to consume licorice. This is because licorice can inhibit fetal brain development and cause brain disorders in babies later in life.
If you have health complaints and want to take licorice as an alternative treatment, you should consult your doctor first to ensure its safety and effectiveness.