Licorice Root - a handy herbal remedy

Natural licorice is an amazing herbal botanical used in western alternative medicine. Not to be confused with licorice flavored candies, licorice root has been used traditionally in the treatment of several ailments for centuries. Various studies have shown licorice to be anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-viral, estrogenic and even useful as a cough suppressant.

Below is a listing of various traditional uses for licorice:

• Anti-inflammatory : treatment of allergies, asthma, eczema and upper respiratory infections
• How it works : it suppresses the enzyme that breaks down cortisone

• Anti-viral : used topically as a salve, it halts the growth of cold sores
  
• How it works : it inhibits virus growth and stimulates the white cells that kill viruses and bacteria

• Dental Care : inhibits the growth of plaque and bacteria on teeth and reduces the occurrence of mouth ulcers and canker sores
  
• How it works : it is anti-viral
  

• Estrogenic: balances estrogen levels providing relief from PMS and hot flashes
• How it works : it alters estrogen metabolism and thereby affects the estrogen-progesterone ratio
  

• Soothing agent : cough suppressant reportedly as effective as codeine
• How it works: licorice has a high gelatin content

One cautionary note: Licorice can cause high blood pressure, reduced potassium levels, and water retention. Therefore, although licorice is generally considered safe herbal medicine, it should be avoided if you are pregnant, have or suspect liver disease, are taking blood thinners, have heart disease, potassium deficiency, or high blood pressure. In general, do not take licorice longer than six weeks at one time.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:
SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org


For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

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