Licorice May Be Effective Against IBS
Licorice has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of disorders and conditions both physical and mental. In recent times it has gained increased attention as a food, particularly for use in candy and other products where a licorice flavor enhances the taste. Licorice as a sweetener has a very real health value in that is has been shown to reduce blood pressure and stimulate peristalsis (muscles in the mouth that close up when you chew) - both important benefits for people with diseases like cardiovascular disease. But licorice does much more than compliment sweet treats; it can also treat a number of common problems - from headaches and diabetes to flatulence and nausea.
The primary source of licorice in Western countries comes from a tropical part of the country where it is a traditional folk remedy used to treat a wide range of conditions. Licorice as an antiseptic and digestive aid has been in use since ancient times, especially in warmer parts of Europe. Licorice also acts as a diuretic and stomachic, acting similarly to the way a diuretic will. In the intestines, it stimulates peristalsis by opening smooth muscle valves and preventing contraction of the colon. In the bloodstream, it relaxes smooth muscles in the walls of the heart, lowers high blood pressure and reduces heartburn, chest congestion and acid reflux. Licorice also enhances appetite, stimulating the release of ghrelin (a hunger hormone that stimulates eating) and vasodilatation (blood flow to the stomach).
Licorice may ease upper respiratory conditions such as asthma. It may also relieve bronchial congestion, especially in smokers. Licorice may also decrease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially in people taking large doses of antibiotics or in those with Crohn's disease. Licorice may also ease upper respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Licorice may also ease high blood pressure, especially in people with hyperglycemia (high blood pressure.) The potassium levels in licorice act as a laxative, allowing for normal blood circulation in the gastrointestinal tract and relaxing the sphincter, or valve, at the end of the intestine. Licorice may also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, reducing nausea and vomiting and the incidence of headaches. Licorice may likewise relieve the effects of anesthesia, making it useful for people going under for surgery. In menopausal women, black licorice may reduce hot flashes and relieve premenstrual tension and anxiety.
Licorice and Peptic Ulcers. One study indicated that licorice extract was beneficial in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers, or ulcerative colitis (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.) In this study, adults with peptic ulcers took either a placebo or licorice extract on a weekly basis. The participants had to consume the treatments for two weeks. The majority of those in the placebo group showed improvement, while only three of those in the licorice extract group showed improvements. These results suggest that licorice extract may benefit patients with peptic ulcers by preventing ulcers and possibly treating them as well.
Licorice root extract has not been confirmed in humans (human tests are necessary) but is believed to be effective in treating diabetes. Licorice has been shown to help treat hepatitis C and ulcerative colitis. A test-tube study on rats showed that licorice reduced the inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis C. However, the test-tube studies did not indicate whether the licorice was helpful in treating hepatitis C. Another animal test showed that licorice was effective in reducing liver toxicity due to alcohol. Because no side effects were noted, licorice may be an excellent choice as a root extract for arthritis. Further studies are needed to assess the safety of licorice as a treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases and other disorders.
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