Licorice: medicinal properties and contraindications

This article provides information about licorice and its healing root, about multifunctional use in the field of medicine and cosmetology.

Chemical composition

Licorice root is a real storehouse of useful and healing substances such as asparagine, ascorbic acid, glycyrrhetinic free, glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhizin. Also in the composition are sterols, coumarins, triterpene saponins and many flavonoids, various chemical elements (aluminum, selenium, potassium, chromium, calcium, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron, etc.).

The aboveground part of the plant contains tannins, essential oils, flavonoids, pigments, saponins and polysaccharides.

How it looks and where it grows

All types of licorice (sweet root, licorice, hunchira, glandular licorice) are perennial herbaceous powerful plants. Their stems are strong, thick, erect, in height can reach from 0.5 to 1 m. The root system is the main root, extending almost 8 m deep into the ground, and branched lateral horizontal roots extending to a distance of 5 m. They are good provide the plant itself with moisture and nutrients.

Thanks to the growth buds located in the basal zone, licorice can grow strongly and turn into strong thickets, which is perceived as a growth of weed. The leaves are arranged alternately, resembling eucalyptus in shape. On their back surface there are many glands. The sheet plate is shiny and slightly sticky. Depending on the species, there are both leaves twisted at the end and wavy. Inflorescences have the appearance of loose brushes, similar to pyramids. They come out of the sinuses of the upper leaves.

Flowers come in a variety of colors depending on the species - from pale violet to violet-white. The fruit is a bean, slightly or strongly curved, leathery, brown in color.

Licorice is unpretentious and grows on different types of soil: sandy, loamy, chernozems. She feels good in the steppes and semi-steppes, on the fields and coasts of rivers, but does not like the proximity of groundwater to the surface of the soil and strong winds. Depending on the species, licorice grows in the Caucasus, south and east of Europe, east and west of Siberia, south of the Urals, on the shores of the Sea of ​​Azov, Volga and Don, in Crimea, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Kinds

Licorice is divided into the following types: naked and Ural. Distinctive features are the territory of growth and divergence in appearance. Licorice has bare leaves at the ends wrapped down, and the flowers have a lighter color. Ural has leaves, very wavy at the edges, and denser inflorescences. She has a bitter taste.

Collection and storage

The healing roots of licorice are harvested in the first spring month and at the end of autumn, just before the frost. They are dug up, but more than 75% of the base, to give the plant the opportunity to recover. The age of the bush should not be less than 3-4 years. The next harvesting at the same place will be possible only after 6 years. The extracted roots are shaken off the ground, washed thoroughly with running water and sorted out, removing damaged ones. Then they are cleaned of bark, after which they are cut into small cuttings with a length of 30 to 35 cm and dried well in the sun or in a drying chamber at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees.Ready dried roots have a yellowish color.

Workpieces are stored for 10 years. If it is necessary to make juice from the roots, then they are boiled, placed in a vacuum chamber and pressed into pharmacological forms.

The healing properties of licorice root

Licorice with its medicinal properties has been known for more than 5 thousand years. It originates from China and Tibet, where it was used along with the most popular ginseng. A more preferred use was given when prescribing licorice root to small children and elderly people, due to excellent indications for strengthening the body and anti-aging effect. According to records in the medical encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, drugs containing licorice root were used as anti-inflammatory and general strengthening drugs.

Later, the plant began to be used in France. It was used during the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchitis, dry chest cough, as well as in inflammatory processes. A Russian professor A.V. Mozheiko has been proven to have excellent licorice root effectiveness in treating inflammatory processes of the respiratory system. Licorice root preparations are widely used in pediatric pediatrics as a medicine whose side effect is not nausea and vomiting. Having thoroughly studied all the properties of this plant, already at present, Japanese scientists have isolated a substance that can suppress the cells of the AIDS virus.

The antisclerotic effect on the human body determines the presence of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice. It is she who, entering into a chemical reaction with cholesterol elements, slows down its formation, manifests itself as an anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory substance, very well affects the work of the adrenal glands. Saponins (foaming substances in the common people) increase the secretion of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system, prevent their irritation and the effects of harmful components of food and aggressive medications. They contribute to the rapid liquefaction of sputum collected in the respiratory tract, facilitate coughing, and also disinfect.

The flavonoids included in licorice provide an analgesic function in relieving discomfort during cramps and inflammatory processes, as well as being a laxative for smooth intestinal muscles. They take part in normalizing the level of permeability of the walls of blood vessels.

For women

Being a wound healing and quick healing agent, licorice root is actively used in the treatment of gynecological diseases, inflammatory processes, cervical erosion. It also helps in the treatment of pathologies of the thyroid gland, peptic ulcer and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, it is necessary to normalize metabolism and acidity in the body, eliminate problems with the intestines and urogenital system, and helps increase blood pressure.

Excellent plant has proven itself in the treatment of complex skin diseases, such as allergic dermatitis, seborrhea, psoriasis, eczema, acne, lupus, neurodermatitis, pemphigus and others.

Otolaryngologists often use drugs in their practice, which include licorice root, for problems with the oral cavity, nasal mucosa, and ears.

Licorice is used as a component that increases the body's production of its insulin, which helps the pancreas in patients with type 2 diabetes. Licorice root is known for its ability to neutralize many types of poison of natural origin since ancient times. Later, with the advent of cancer, licorice also began to be used because of its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.Greater effect was obtained after chemotherapy.

If soaked apples with licorice are regularly eaten, then the premenstrual syndrome will not be so painful, the metabolism will normalize. During menopause and with mastopathy, a drug with licorice is necessary for women both for prevention and for effective treatment. Modern scientists have confirmed the effectiveness of the use of licorice as a contraceptive by ancient people. This is due to the strong estrogenic property of the root.

For men

Licorice-containing medicines are also used by traumatologists, surgeons and urologists and proctologists. Along with ginseng in the East, tea from licorice root is also used to increase the vitality of men, immunity and body resistance to a harmful environment. As a powerful antidepressant, this plant increases the tone of a chronically tired body. The Japanese use licorice as a dietary supplement to make a person quit smoking.

In urology, drugs are widely used, including licorice root, in getting rid of the disease of prostate adenoma, pathologies of the kidneys and urinary tract. In case of joint activity disorders, osteochondrosis, rheumatism, arthritis, as well as the presence of an intervertebral hernia, licorice preparations are prescribed. It has long been believed that to help a person after a hangover, he should be allowed to chew a small piece of licorice root.

During pregnancy

Pregnant women, as well as children under the age of three, taking licorice in any form is contraindicated. This is due to the ability to influence the water-salt balance of the body. That is, when it is used in pregnant women, edema can appear. Their constant presence can lead to the development of a serious complication - gestosis. This is a significant reason for refusing to use drugs containing licorice. Otherwise, neglect of this warning is fraught not only with the threat of death of the unborn child, but also with the mother herself. The next reason for the unacceptability of the use of licorice or its root is the property of these to cause a sharp fluctuation in the hormonal background in the body, and this can lead to the risk of miscarriage.

When breastfeeding

After the baby is born, young mothers after 2-3 months can take medications, which include licorice or its root, but always after their appointment by a doctor. With the ability to thin the blood, such drugs can trigger uterine bleeding. If there is also ethyl alcohol in the composition, then at the time of its use it is necessary to completely refuse breast-feeding, since it negatively affects the newborn baby.

For women themselves during lactation, licorice preparations are useful. They restore the hormonal background, normalize the water-salt balance, tidy up the central nervous system, improve sleep, help cope with colds and viral infections, eliminate the inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system, help strengthen blood vessels, improve liver, gall bladder, along with other medicinal products drugs fight helminthic invasion. In the body of nursing mothers, immunity increases, which ensures its resistance to external bacteria. But it must be remembered that before consuming licorice medications, you should definitely consult your doctor and strictly follow his recommendations and doses.

For kids

When children are sick, it is always unpleasant, but this cannot be avoided. Sometimes it is useful to develop immunity.

For children, the use of drugs containing licorice or its root is recommended for both prevention and treatment:

• with chronic fatigue;
• pathologies of the oral cavity, nose, upper respiratory tract;
• acute respiratory infections;
• increased excitability;
• fatigue;
• removing toxins and germs, stimulating vitality.

For young children, the first use of drugs containing licorice or its root is recommended to be carried out very carefully to avoid any complications. Up to a year, the use of these drugs is contraindicated for children in general.

Before prescribing licorice to a one-year-old baby, a procedure is first carried out to determine the reaction to such a drug. If he does not have an individual intolerance to the components of the drug, then he is prescribed with caution and small doses. If the child has an allergic reaction, it should not be used in any case. It is imperative that a child should show it to a doctor before using licorice and adhere to recommendations.

Since this plant affects the adrenal glands, unwanted side effects may occur. If the child was prescribed a drug with licorice, then the duration of its use is a maximum of ten days, and the dosage should not exceed that prescribed by the doctor.

Licorice plant is one of those whose use in small doses and for short periods of time is beneficial, but in large doses and long-term use only brings harm. An example is the effect of licorice root on boys and men. As you know, licorice affects the production of the male hormone testosterone, so long-term use of drugs with this plant or its root can lead to disruption of the hormonal balance in the growing body. But the correct use of drugs, on the contrary, will tidy up the hormonal background and will even help improve potency in men.

When losing weight

As you know, overweight people gain for many reasons, some of which are violations of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system diseases. Licorice and its root have the property of normalizing the functioning of these organs by healing wounds, protecting the mucous membrane, removing toxins from the body, lowering the acidity level if it is high, eliminating heartburn, suppressing the feeling of nausea, and normalizing stool. Therefore, they ensure that the weight is brought back to normal.

Licorice in medicine

Due to its useful and medicinal properties, licorice and its root have firmly entered the modern field of medicine and has been recognized at the official level. On the basis of this plant, many preparations, tinctures, syrups of a wide spectrum of action and age-related use have been created. The effectiveness of licorice, due to its properties, is not inferior to many long-known drugs. But the benefits of licorice-based drugs are natural. They are not chemically excreted and are not synthetic.

With diabetes

Decoction for diabetes mellitus is prepared as follows: to 1 tsp. with a hill of crushed licorice root, add 200 ml of boiling water and simmer on a steam bath for half an hour. Strain, let cool slightly and consume one third of a glass before meals for half an hour throughout the day. At night, you should drink the broth after eating after 2 hours.

With pancreatitis

To replenish the pancreas with the necessary enzymes, use an infusion of the same amount of crushed licorice root, dandelion and burdock. Ingredients take 5 g each. Add 500 ml of boiling water and let it brew. Strain and drink hot 100 ml 2-3 times a day.

With gastritis

Licorice juice is used to treat gastritis. To obtain it, you need to use only fresh root. Wash it thoroughly, clean and grate it, after which it is good to squeeze the resulting mass through gauze or bandage. Then draw 10 drops with a pipette and dissolve in 100 ml of boiling water. Cool to a warm temperature and take four tablespoons 1 tbsp. before eating food.The course of treatment is continued for 14 days.

With peptic ulcer and gastritis, a licorice decoction is used. Take about 10 g of mashed root of licorice, add a glass of boiling water and simmer in a steam bath for 20 minutes. Then strain and warm to insist, for 2 hours. Use at least 5 times a day.

With ulcer disease, arthritis and tumors, licorice tincture is used. For its preparation, 2 tsp. crushed licorice roots need to be fried in a pan, then add 400 ml of boiling water. Wrap and insist for about 8 hours. After this time, the tincture will be ready for use. Take 35-40 drops.

For the intestines

If you have pain in the intestines, you can use this recipe: take licorice, chamomile and lemon balm in the proportions of 2: 1: 1 and brew like tea. Consume 1 cup an hour after eating.

For constipation

An infusion of licorice root (4 tsp), fennel (2 tsp), anise (2 tsp) and buckthorn bark (8 tbsp) can eliminate constipation. Take 3 tbsp. this collection and add 100 ml of boiling water. Wrap and insist for half an hour. To give children with a violation of the gastrointestinal tract to normalize digestion and stool for 10 days, 50 ml three times a day for half an hour before eating.

Also, to increase the efficiency of the gastrointestinal tract, you can use licorice powder mixed with honey. It is given to children before meals.

The following recipe gives a good laxative effect. 1 tbsp needed finely ground licorice root pour 2.5 cups of warm water and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Then let cool and strain through the bandage, squeeze out the leftovers. Use 30 g before the next meal no more than 10 days. Otherwise, side effects may occur, such as a difficult exit of fluid from the body, weakening of libido, and increased pressure.

For the lymphatic system

In violation of the human lymphatic system, a very unpleasant disease can occur - lymphotoxicosis, which leads to an excessive load on the most important internal organs: kidneys, liver, intestines. With a prolonged course of lymphotoxicosis, an unfavorable diagnosis in the form of hepatitis, dysbacteriosis, colitis, and others will eventually await. This can result in stagnation of bile in the body, slowing down the release of metabolic products, impaired intestinal function (constipation), and frequent inflammation of the urogenital system (cystitis), which is indicated external signs in the form of psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin rashes. To avoid this, you can take licorice root for prevention. This is very easy to do by taking 1 tablespoon. syrup and diluting it in a glass of hot water. Drink the entire contents of the glass on an empty stomach. Cleansing the body can occur within an hour.

For the liver

To avoid cirrhosis or liver cancer, people with hepatitis C are required to take licorice root extract. This is a pharmacy drug that is used undiluted 3-4 times a day. Drink it with plenty of water.

With hemorrhoids

A decoction can be prepared as follows: pour 1 tbsp. ground licorice root 250 ml of boiling water and simmer over low heat for half an hour. Allow to cool, strain and bring, adding warm water, to the initial amount. Drink a warm drink of 0.5 cup before meals (for half an hour) 3-4 times a day.

Against cough

1. 1 tbsp dried licorice roots should be poured into a bowl of enameled steel and add 1 cup of water. Then, covering tightly with a lid, put the brew in a steam bath for 20 minutes. Then let the infusion cool to room temperature for about an hour, then strain and squeeze the remaining. Bring the resulting solution to the initial amount by pouring warm boiled water. Such an infusion is stored for no more than two days in the refrigerator. It should be consumed 3 or 4 times a day for 1 tablespoon. After passing the course of treatment, the patient's sputum will become liquid and come out, and the cough will subside.
2. The infusion is not as concentrated as a decoction, so you can not store it, unlike the previous one. To prepare the infusion, you need to take 1 tbsp. pounded root and pour a glass of boiling water.Wrap the infusion in something warm and leave to insist for one hour. Also, a thermos is perfect for this procedure. Then the infusion should be filtered and the residues well wrung out. It is used by both children and adults. Children under 12 years old can drink from 1 to 2 tsp. 2-3 times a day, and for older children and adults - from 1 to 2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day before meals for half an hour.
3. In case of viral diseases, they drink tea from the collection of the following herbs: licorice, centaury, lemon balm and mint. The presence of centaury in this collection increases the effect of licorice in relation to the removal of the inflammatory process, strengthening immunity and restoration of vitality. Such a mixture can be purchased at a pharmacy or made independently. To do this, you need to take finely chopped or ground grass of licorice and other ingredients in a ratio of 3 to 1 (that is, 3 tsp of licorice and 1 tsp of centaury, lemon balm and mint). Take 1 tsp. the collection, pour it with boiling water and put in a warm place. Insist for about 15 minutes. Then strain and squeeze the remains. Give children 50 ml after meals for 7-10 days.
4. The cough infusion consists of 3 components: licorice, marshmallow and elecampane. You need to take 3 tsp. Collect and place in a glass container. Add 2 cups (400 ml) of boiled water at room temperature and insist for 7-8 hours, placing in a dark place. Give children 50 ml twice a day before meals for up to 10 days, no more.
5. Anti-cough tea is prepared from licorice root and Icelandic moss in a 2: 1 ratio with the addition of rose hips and plantain leaves. It needs to be brewed like regular tea and consumed throughout the day.
6. Tincture for colds should be prepared by making a preliminary collection of identical parts of licorice root, thyme and marshmallow root. Mix everything until smooth and set aside 1 tbsp. mixes in a heat-resistant container. Add a glass of boiling water to the contents and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Then let it brew for 2 hours. Use better with honey. Children's dosage - 1-2 tbsp., Adult - a third of a glass 3 times a day before meals.

With bronchitis

A decoction for bronchitis can be done by mixing the following components: licorice, coltsfoot, fennel and marshmallow. Thoroughly mix the herbs taken in the following amounts: licorice roots - 3 tablespoons, coltsfoot - 2.5 tablespoons, fennel fruits - 2 tablespoons and Althea - 4 tbsp. Take 4 tsp. mix and pour into a container. Add 400 ml of boiling water. Steam in a water bath with a tightly closed lid for 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature and strain. Wring out the rest. Give children 50 ml four times a day half an hour before meals.

It is possible to use a collection of the following herbs taken in the same amount: licorice root, coltsfoot, violet, plantain leaves.

Even when coughing, you can use licorice root powder by mixing 1 tsp. blanks with 1 tsp vegetable oil and the same amount of honey. Then grind it all with medium-sized potato, cooked in its uniform. From the resulting mass, fashion a cake and place it on the chest of the child. Hold for half an hour.

Infusion in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis should be prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. ground licorice root, combine with 1 cup boiling water and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. Wrap and insist for an hour. Then strain and consume 1 tbsp. four times a day.

For skin diseases

For allergic rashes, dermatitis, as well as eczema, lotions from licorice root should be made. It is prepared as follows: take licorice root powder and combine it with boiling water in a ratio of 1:10. Leave a thermos with infusion overnight, then strain and apply a cotton pad well moistened in it onto the damaged skin for an hour from 1 to 3 times a day.

Types of medicinal compounds with licorice

Infusion

1. To 1 tsp crushed licorice root, add 200 ml of boiling water and insist for 1-2 hours. Cool and strain. Apply for 1 tbsp. l three times a day before meals.
2. 2 tbsp dry plants pour 500 ml of boiling water and insist a couple of hours. Cool and strain.Use 100 ml twice daily before meals.

Tincture

Alcoholic licorice tinctures are recommended to be used as a dietary supplement - from 25 to 55 drops, diluted with a small amount of water, three times a day.

Decoction

To overall strengthen the body and increase vitality, you can use a decoction of the following ingredients: licorice, needles and onion peels. It tastes not very pleasant, but very effective drink. To prepare it, you need 1 tbsp. chopped onion husks, 1 tsp grated licorice roots and 50 g of any needles (pine or spruce). Additionally, you need 1 tbsp. peeled rosehip berries. A mixture of husks, licorice and needles, pour 2 liters of boiling water and put on a small fire for languishing. This procedure takes about 10 minutes. Then add the rose hip there and leave for another couple of minutes.

The resulting broth is placed in a thermos and left to infuse for half a day (12 hours). Then strain the broth and bring to a boil again. Give children 0.25 cups before meals for 10 days.

Tea

Tea is the weakest concentrated drink made from licorice. It can be prepared both from a single ingredient, and add various spices, such as lemon balm, lemon, mint, etc. The advantage of such tea is that, due to the glycyrrhizin, which is a substitute for sugar, in the licorice root, the latter does not need to be added to it.

If you make tea from dry raw materials, then you need to take 1 tsp. herbs, pour it with a glass of boiling water, add (if desired and to taste) spices and let it brew for about 15 minutes. Then pour into the cups two-thirds and add hot water.

You can also purchase tea bags. Then it is brewed in the usual way (one bag per cup).

Children can drink licorice tea, but not more than 2 times a week, one cup each. Such a drink helps strengthen immunity.

Licorice is also part of other medicinal teas. Other components to it are ginger, anise, linden, etc. Such blends in a wide variety can be purchased at pharmacies and stores.

Powder

With increased efficiency and increased vitality, you can use licorice root powder as follows. Mix 12 tsp. powder with 1 tsp honey and take three times a day.

Sorbet Cream

To make such a healthy treat you need to mix 300 g of applesauce with 50 g of lemon juice. Beat two egg whites with a blender and carefully introduce them into the cooked mass. Then place the cream in the freezer for 2.5–3 hours. Before treating guests to the cooled apple mass, add licorice root powder, mix gently and put the cream on a sorbet.

Application in cosmetology

Licorice and its root have become widely used in cosmetology because of the properties of this plant to influence the water-salt balance of the body, and, accordingly, the skin. Cosmetics using licorice in the first positions can eliminate inflammatory processes, fight microbes and viruses, irritated skin, relieve swelling and prevent the appearance of age spots. Due to the naturalness of such cosmetics, they are in great demand both in beauty salons and in women at home.

Due to all the listed properties of licorice, skin care products have a mild cleansing effect. The restorative property of licorice root provided him with the use of a large number of anti-aging agents. Creams with his participation prevent the appearance of wrinkles, eliminate age spots and freckles, whiten the skin.

The variety of useful and healing properties allows licorice to be a universal component for various cosmetics: lotions (for different skin types), balms, shampoos, conditioners, conditioners, creams, masks, tonics, etc.When caring for the scalp and hair, using means with licorice root, the necessary level of hydration of the scalp is provided, there is no peeling and itching. Hair becomes shiny, silky, acquire a beautiful color.

Some very simple homemade cosmetic recipes are listed below.

1. Rinse aid for hair. To 1 tbsp crushed licorice root, add 1 liter of boiling water and simmer over low heat in a steam bath for half an hour. Then allow to cool to a warm temperature, strain and apply.
2. Rinse aid for hair. To a small handful of crushed licorice add 1 liter of warm water and 1 tablespoon. fruit vinegar. Insist 15 minutes and apply.
3. In masks for sensitive skin, licorice root powder is effectively used. It is combined with banana or milk.
4. To remove freckles and age spots, a fresh infusion of licorice is used. To cook it, you should take 1 tbsp. chopped licorice root, pour a glass of boiling water and insist to the desired temperature. Soaked in this infusion with a cotton pad, it is good to wipe the face and neck.
5. To increase tone and improve appearance, it is effective to apply licorice compresses. To do this, you need to take an infusion of a pleasant temperature, dip a flap of tissue into it and put on the face.
6. To maintain healthy facial skin, you can spend daily washing with a decoction of licorice. After a month of conducting such simple procedures, the skin will shine with health, become elastic and smooth.

How to take licorice syrup when coughing

Syrup has the same effect as a decoction or tincture. Only it tastes good. Children really like him, and they treat them with pleasure. The children's dosage is from 5 to 10 ml per glass of water or tea twice or thrice a day.

1. Babies from 1 year to two years are prescribed 1-2 drops per 1 tsp. boiled water.
2. Children from 3 to 6 years old should be given 3-10 drops per 1 tbsp. boiled water.
3. Children from 7 to 12 years old are prescribed 12 drops per 50 ml of water.
4. Children 12 to 16 years old should be given 1 tsp. per 100 ml of water.
5. For teens from 16, the dosage is prescribed for a full 150 ml dessert spoon.

The dose depends on the degree of the disease and the recommendations of the doctor. The course of treatment does not exceed 10 days. Being a natural product, the component of licorice effectively turns a dry cough into a wet one and promotes the rapid removal of sputum from the respiratory tract, protects the mucous membrane irritated by cough and increases low immunity. But you should observe the child during the initial use of the syrup. Allergic rashes, itching, diarrhea, and swelling can be side effects of treatment. If this happens, stop using the syrup and consult a doctor for advice.

Contraindications

Despite its natural naturalness and versatility, licorice root cannot be used for people suffering from acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart failure, high adrenal gland activity, hypertension, obesity, too much blood coagulation, edema and poor excretion of fluid from the body. Propensity to bleeding is also a contraindication for the use of such drugs.

Photo of licorice (grass and root)