Licorice – The Functionality of Licorice

July 14, 2010 · Filed Under Nutrition 

Many people are familiar with licorice as a tasty candy. You are probably very familiar with the red or black vine-style licorice sold in stores and vending machines or large plastic tubs. Some people only prefer sweeter licorice like red vines and give the stronger, less sweet black licorice to someone else. Whichever kind is preferred, kids and adults alike love to eat it on holidays, at the movie theater or anywhere or anytime a simple treat is desired. But not many people understand fully the extent of the functionality of licorice. Licorice is a natural herb that can benefit humans through consumption as food and medicine.

Licorice starts as a root. It can be prepared in a variety of natural ways, be consumed as a supplement, or applied topically to help heal sores. Licorice is a great blood cleanser and helpful for use in lower bowel treatments. The herb neutralizes acid in blood. It also aids in cleansing the liver and other glands by stimulation circulation, assimilating nutrients, and relieving digestion. Licorice root also offers quick recovery to fatigued muscles such as experienced by athletes. Herbal licorice teas are also recommended to prevent and treat early childhood illnesses. Because licorice serves to clean the body internally, it can also be used to address kidney issues.

PMS symptoms are also relieved by licorice herbal combination treatments. Herbs like licorice protect the reproductive organs from the affects of artificial hormones or other potentially harmful antibiotics from meat and mild food products. Female health is further promoted by licorice’s calming effects on the adrenal glands and ability to help prevent estrogen accumulation and subsequent breast or uterine issues. Licorice is frequently used to heal coughs by relieving congestion and releasing toxins.

You can find licorice often included on various cleansing and weight loss diets with the added benefit of a strengthened immune system. One significant study and use of licorice specifically concerns its stimulation of the immune system. There is a component in licorice that helps produce interferon which assists in counteracting viruses and cancer by regulating immune cells. Interferon also increases the production of cancer fighting T-Cells. Since licorice cleanses the body and boosts the immune system, especially the liver, it also promotes health by fighting addictions. While significant diet changes and elimination of other elements fight addiction, the cleansing effects of licorice allow proper nutrients to diminish or prevent some addictions before they start.

Many people are not aware there is a healthier Japanese herbal tea than Green teas, called Tenchicha. The tea contains 12 herbs with no caffeine. Mr. Kumagai is the president of Eco Vita, which provides information on health benefits of herbal products including tenchicha. For more detail, please visit Tenchicha.com.

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