Extremely sweet, licorice is used for various purposes, both culinary and herbal. Scientifically proven as a medicinal plant, licorice root makes a big difference for those seeking natural solutions for several issues, including kidney and liver problems.

The Plant

Sweet from root to leaves, licorice is a plant with a pleasant taste and aroma. Its scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra1 and it belongs to the legume family. It is rich in glycyrrhizin2, which gives the herb its sweet and medicinal property. When made into syrup, licorice root creates delicious sweets like licorice candy and jelly, which are very popular in the USA. The licorice sweet recently arrived in Brazil and has quickly become a favorite among children. It is made into a long, nutritious, and very tasty candy.

The medicinal plant licorice grows up to one meter tall and has short oval leaves and small pink or blue flowers. Originally from Europe, the herb adapts easily to different climates, but if grown in cooler environments or milder temperatures, it can thrive. Dry places with stony or sandy soil are also good environments for its growth and development.

What It’s For

The medicinal plant licorice contains properties that benefit the digestive tract, kidneys, and even hormone regulation. The herb can also help with various issues of the respiratory system by reducing asthma attacks and easing symptoms during episodes of pneumonia. Licorice also serves as:

Anti-inflammatory: Rich in flavonoids, licorice root aids in better recovery from inflammatory diseases. It works from the inside out and is effective even for skin inflammations.

Cholesterol Reducer: For those with unhealthy high cholesterol, the plant naturally helps lower levels of HDL and triglycerides. With highly antioxidant properties, it acts in the body to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and even cancer.

Prevents Ulcers: As a gastrointestinal protector, the herb serves as a natural shield for the stomach and helps heal ulcers and nervous gastritis.

Diabetes: As a natural sweetener that contains no glucose, it is helpful for those with diabetes. Licorice tea is extremely beneficial and can also be used as a diuretic. The amorfrutin compounds in the plant help lower blood sugar levels, supporting a normal life for people who are insulin resistant.

Liver: A natural aid for treating hepatitis types A, B, and C, licorice root has been used for centuries in Japan to speed up liver recovery from the disease. Additionally, the plant also helps reduce fat accumulated in the liver due to poor diet or genetic predisposition, which can cause serious health issues.

Hormonal balance: Its flavonoid substances provide greater balance of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. This brings ideal results for those who suffer from menstrual disorders or gland issues such as the thyroid, for example. It is also effective in controlling symptoms of PMS and menopause.

How to Take

The plant can be used as licorice tea, dry extract, or syrup for medicinal use. However, for home use of the herb and root, licorice tea is the most conventional form. Licorice syrup is a concentrated plant extract used industrially to make foods and sweets based on the plant, but also for home use. The dry extract is used during meals. It can be added to juice, water, or even dessert. Fruit pairs very well with the plant’s dry extract because licorice enhances the sweet flavor of the food.

The powdered herb also goes well with coconut water and, if added to gelatin, becomes an unnoticeable food for children to consume. The extract can also be used in hot milk, making for an excellent beverage before bedtime. Licorice syrup is recommended for allergic and respiratory crises in children and adults. The syrup is easily found in natural product stores. One to two dessert spoons of this syrup are enough to relieve coughing with or without phlegm.

Licorice tea is an excellent laxative for those who suffer from constipation, but for this purpose, the amount of liquid consumed should be double that recommended for herbal uses. Dried licorice root is easily found in tea shops and specialty natural product stores. Its small stems should be cut with scissors or a sharp knife. The pieces should be small to extract as much glycyrrhizin as possible from the root.

The plant extract can be made with 250g of roots soaked in one liter of filtered water. The root should remain immersed for about three days, and after this period, two to three tablespoons per day can be consumed. As it is more concentrated, the liquid extract is much sweeter than the tea. The plant leaf, when fresh, can be chewed to combat bad breath caused by stomach problems.

How to Make Licorice Tea

To make licorice tea, simply boil one liter of filtered water. After boiling, lower the heat and add 30g of chopped root. Boil for 10 minutes and then let it steep for another 10. This amount is enough to make a tea that is perfectly sweetened and rich in healing properties at the same time. Strain the tea and drink two to three cups a day. It is recommended to have one in the morning and two more after the main meals of the day.

Licorice for Weight Loss

The use of the plant for aesthetic purposes is growing every day. It was recently discovered that the tea can slightly reduce appetite and cravings for sweets. It acts as a herbal calming agent that reduces food anxiety for fatty and highly caloric foods, like sweets during PMS. The dried licorice extract helps burn fat when combined with exercise. If licorice oil is consumed before walks, it speeds up calorie burn and helps reduce fat mass while preserving muscle mass. The plant also helps with targeted fat loss.

Usage Precautions

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use licorice tea, syrup, and even sweets based on the plant in moderation. Its properties can affect hormonal functions in these patients, interfering with proper pregnancy duration and milk production. In these cases, consult a doctor who can recommend ideal quantities. People with high blood pressure should avoid consumption, as should those with cystic fibrosis.