Licorice root is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies and is cultivated throughout Europe, Asia and Middle east. The active ingredient in Licorice is glycyrrhizin or “glycyrrhizin acid”. Licorice roots has been used for a long time to treat various ailments and flavoring in candies, beverages, food, tobacco products and medicines.
In Ayurveda, Licorice roots are a recommended treatment for eczema, swelling of the liver, mouth sores and many other conditions.
Licorice root can be used as tea, tincture, powder, or supplement, applied atopically as gel. There are no established standard limits for intake, however, it is recommended to keep the glycyrrhizin limits less than 100mg/day.
Licorice root Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Fatigue, Headache, Fluid retention and swelling, High blood pressure, Muscle weakness or cramping. Not so common side-effects: Kidney failure, Paralysis. Pregnant or Nursing Mothers:
Licorice root consumption during preganancy can lead to adverse neurological effects in children later in life. Children: Not Known.
Warnings:
Advisable for short term use only. Severe and life threatening side effects can be seen if used for longer interval of time.
Chinmayi is a Nutritionist turned Marketer, with Masters in both Marketing and Nutrition. Her focus is to combine her knowledge to understand and evangelize Ayurveda.
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