The benefits of licorice root

Licorice, a sweet black root grown in both Europe and Asia, is a powerful plant with some serious benefits. No, we're not talking about Red Vines. However, licorice, nicknamed "sweet root," contains a compound that is 50 times sweeter than sugar, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. One bite and you'll be craving the taste as if it were your favorite childhood candy.

Not only is licorice sweet, but it is also a potent healing agent. It has been used for millennia to treat everything from the common cold to skin diseases. Continue reading to find out how you can use licorice root to treat everyday ailments.

1. Heal canker sores. A study published by the Academy of General Dentistry showed canker sores heal after just seven days of applying an adhesive patch medicated with licorice root extract directly to the ulcer. According to Home Remedies for Life, to treat a canker sore with licorice at home, apply licorice root extract directly to the canker sore twice daily and use homemade licorice root tea as a mouthwash. 

2. Fight a cough. When made into tea, licorice root can have miraculous effects on a cough and other respiratory problems including itching and tickling of the throat and upper chest. Livestrong explains licorice is effective at suppressing coughing because it coats the throat with mucous and helps protect the throat tissue. To make licorice root tea, boil 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to steep for 5- 10 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

3. Treat skin conditions. Licorice root is a tried and true home remedy for skin conditions ranging from rosacea to psoriasis and from eczema to hyper-pigmentation. According to health blogger Annmarie Gianni, licorice is good for the skin because it is a natural anti-inflammatory and has properties that reduce redness and irritation. To treat skin conditions using licorice root, either apply licorice root extract directly to the affected area, or use natural serums, oils, creams, and gels with licorice root as a main ingredient.

4. Fight indigestion and acid reflux. Everyone at some time or another knows the uncomfortable pain of indigestion. To treat stomach issues from chronic acid reflux to persistent stomach ulcers, take DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice tablets 30 minutes before meals. Integrative medical doctor Dr. Julie Chen cites a study published in the British Medical Journal proving this natural home remedy can be more powerful than more traditional prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

5. Treat athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is the kinder name for a fungal infection of the skin that typically occurs when sweaty feet stay inside shoes too long. Symptoms of athlete's foot include peeling, cracking, redness, itching, and burning, according to Natural Athletics. Luckily, licorice is a sweet smelling natural anti-fungal. To treat athlete's foot at home, boil six or seven teaspoons of dried licorice and apply it directly to the affected area. You can also make a foot bath of licorice root and garlic cloves, another potent anti-fungal.

6. Soothe Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system and often requires severe treatment like chemotherapy. People suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis will be happy to know that, according to Mind Body Green, licorice is highly effective at reducing inflammation and naturally supports the body's release of cortisol, which is important for suppressing the immune system and easing pain. To soothe painful symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis, drink a warm, soothing cup of licorice root tea.

7. Control cholesterol and body fat. Studies have suggested that licorice root is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing body fat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center and Prevention. Though more research is needed to prove the best way in which licorice can be utilized in controlling cholesterol and weight, it doesn't hurt to add a cup of tasty licorice root tea to your daily diet.

8. Soothe menstrual cramps. The antioxidant flavonoids in licorice improve circulation and relieve tissue damage. They also reduce inflammation. This makes licorice root a soothing home remedy for painful menstrual cramps, according to Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist and Diplomat of Oriental Medicine Cathy Margolin. Drink a steaming hot cup of licorice root tea and you will feel relief in no time. 

Licorice is a powerful root that will surely help everyone in your household. Luckily, fresh licorice root can usually be found in the produce section of the supermarket. Licorice root extract and dried licorice root are readily available online and at your neighborhood herbalist or health foods store.