Licorice is more than the sweet chewy treat you remember from childhood … it’s a root native to Europe and Asia, which not only has a compound that is 50 times sweeter than sugar[i] but also offers health benefits that have been prized for thousands of years.
Why might you want to become familiar with this beneficial “sweet root”?
8 Reasons to Try Licorice Root
8. Soothe Coughs and Colds
As a demulcent, licorice root helps to soothe and coat irritated mucous membranes. It also acts as an expectorant, helping your body to get rid of phlegm. Traditionally, licorice root has been used to treat sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, coughs and other breathing problems.
7. Stomach Ulcers
Licorice root has antibacterial properties and may help in the treatment of stomach ulcers.[ii] One study even found a combination of licorice and antacids treated ulcers as well as prescription drugs.[iii]
6. Eczema
Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties, and a topical licorice gel has been found to reduce redness, swelling and itching associated with eczema.
5. Indigestion, GERD and Acid Reflux
When combined with other herbs like milk thistle, peppermint and chamomile, there is evidence that licorice root helps reduce the severity of acid reflux, as well as reduces symptoms such as pain, cramping and nausea. Licorice has traditionally been regarded as a digestive tonic that may soothe colic, chronic gastritis and other digestive upsets.
4. Bacteria and Viral Infections
With both antibacterial and anti-viral properties, licorice has been used in folk medicine to help treat infections caused by both bacteria and viruses. Research has even shown that an injectable form of licorice extract may help in the treatment of hepatitis C.[iv]
3. Antioxidant Properties
Licorice contains natural plant flavonoids with potent antioxidant properties. Research suggests antioxidants in licorice may have a protective effect against chronic diseases caused by free radicals.[v]
2. Weight Loss
A supplement containing licorice oil has been found to help reduce body weight in overweight people by reducing total body fat. The antioxidant-rich oil appears to increase energy expenditure as well as inhibit lipogenesis (the formation of fat).[vi]
1. Natural Laxative Properties
If you struggle with constipation, licorice’s natural laxative effect may be of interest to you. This root promotes peristalsis (the regular, contracting action of the colon that moves fecal matter through) and coats your stomach and intestine to promote elimination without the jittery feeling commonly associated with over-the-counter laxatives.
A Warning About Consuming Too Much Licorice…
Even though it’s completely natural, consuming too much licorice root (more than 20 grams/day) may raise your levels of a hormone called aldosterone, which can cause high blood pressure, headaches, heart problems and other serious side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have a history of high blood pressure or kidney disease, you should be particularly careful with licorice root, as it may cause side effects in doses as little as 5 grams/day.[vii]
A Gentle Form of Licorice PLUS…
A safe and effective dose of licorice root (25 mg) is available in Natural Cleanse, which is formulated to gently release and flush impacted fecal matter and other toxic build-up from your body while at the same time revitalizing and tonifying your colon.
When you use Natural Cleanse for 30 days, you get the beneficial effects of licorice root combined with other herbal remedies like buckthorn bark, milk thistle, ginger root and a proprietary probiotic blend.
You get the digestive and laxative benefits of natural licorice root in a formula that combines centuries of traditional healing wisdom to soothe inflammation of your GI tract, cleanse toxins, bacteria and parasites from your system and replenish good bacteria helping to rebalance your vital gut microflora.
Try it now for 90 days… absolutely risk free!
