what are the health benefits of liquorice?

Answer 1

Powdered liquorice root is an effective cough remedy (expectorant), and has been used for this purpose since ancient times, especially in Ayurvedic medicine where it is also used in tooth powders. Modern cough syrups often include liquorice extract as an ingredient.
Additionally, licorice may be useful in curing both mouth ulcers and peptic ulcers. Naturopathic medicinal uses include treatment of peptic and oral ulcers.
Liquorice is also a mild laxative.
For full details, refer :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquorice

Answer 2

Medicinal use
Powdered liquorice root is an effective cough remedy (expectorant), and has been used for this purpose since ancient times, especially in ayurvedic medicine where it is also used in tooth powders. Modern cough syrups often include liquorice extract as an ingredient. Additionally, licorice may be useful for both mouth ulcers [2] and peptic ulcers [3]. Naturopathic medicinal uses include treatment of peptic and oral ulcers.

Liquorice is also a mild laxative. Large doses of glycyrrhizinic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid in liquorice extract can lead to hypokalemia and serious increases in blood pressure, a syndrome known as apparent mineralocorticoid excess. These side effects stem from the inhibition of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (type 2) and subsequent increase in activity of cortisol on the kidney. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase normally inactivates cortisol in the kidney; thus, licorice's inactivation of this enzyme makes the concentration of cortisol appear to increase. Cortisol acts at the same receptor as the hormone aldosterone in the kidney; thus, the effects mimic aldosterone excess, although aldosterone remains low or normal during licorice overdose. Cortisol does not actually increase either; however, its activity in the kidney effectively increases due to the disabling of this enzyme. To decrease the chances of these serious side effects, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) preparations are available.

Licorice affects the body's endocrine system. It can lower the amount of serum testosterone, but whether it affects the amount of free testosterone is unclear. A PubMed search for licorice AND testosterone will provide additional information.

The disabling of similar enzymes in the gut by glycyrrhizinic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid also causes increased mucus and decreased acid secretion. Thus, licorice may in moderate amounts soothe an upset stomach and is used as an aid for healing stomach ulcers.

Though scientifically unproven, licorice has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Answer 3

research suggested it may help combat decay.

Experts from the University of California have found that liquorice root may help prevent cavities by inhibiting decay causing bacteria.

But the British Dental Health Foundation warned people to be wary of sweets that were only part liquorice as they may do more harm than good.

Scientists have also found that it may help combat inflammation, viruses, ulcers and even cancer.

Answer 4

It's very beneficial for the digestion. When in my 20's I had suspected stomach ulcers I was treated with liquorice tablets and it cleared up.

Answer 5

liquorice is meant to keep you regular in going to the toilet which helps stop the build up of toxins in the body.

Answer 6

Not sure about the benefit but I heard that it was quite bad for people with high blood pressure

Answer 7

Keeps You regular,and tastes good too

Answer 8

It's very good at getting rid of coldsores, apparently.

Answer 9

i think it can be used as a laxative and is thought to be very good for smokers as it is a cough remedy

Answer 10

I am not sure is any benefits