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The Effects of Black Licorice

The licorice plant, whose scientific name is Glycyrrhiza, is a legume similar in structure to beans. The plant grows wild in parts of Europe and Asia. The underground stems and root of the licorice plant have been a popular flavoring used for sweetening since ancient times. The sweetener is commonly used in teas, candies, lozenges used to sooth the throat and medicinal products. Many people tout the positive benefits of licorice, and there is some truth to these statement. It is important to understand that black licorice has negative health effects as well.

  1. Boosts Immune System

    • Licorice enhances your immunity by increasing interferon, a chemical that wards off viruses that attack the body. Glycyrrhizinic acid, a product of the root of the licorice plant, seems capable of killing bacteria and viruses such as influenza A. Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Science recently reported that flavonoids from licorice are the strongest natural antioxidants known. Antioxidants support the prevention of free radicals, associated with cancer and heart disease.

    Anti-inflammatory

    • Licorice is an effective anti-inflammatory. It has this property because of how it affects the adrenal glands. Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is associated with the body's anti-inflammatory response. The Glycyrrhizin in black licorice stimulates the body's production of cortisol when it needs more and promotes the breakdown of it when there is too much.

    Peptic Ulcers

    • Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach. Licorice is a common treatment for this type of ulcer. The research is mixed on the effectiveness of licorice on peptic ulcers, although one study of 100 people showed the ulcers in 22 people were gone after 6 weeks of treatment with licorice and 90% of the participants improved.

    Canker Sores

    • The University of Maryland Medical Center reports a small study showed positive results for relief of pain from canker sores when participants gargled with deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). The regime involved dissolving the DGL in warm water and gargling four times a day.

    Indigestion

    • Some favorable preliminary studies suggest that Iberogast, an herbal formula that includes licorice, may relieve the pain and discomfort associated with indigestion. The herbal concoction also included peppermint and chamomile.

    Risks

    • If an individual takes large amounts of licorice on a regular basis, this may have the consequence of raising his blood level of aldosterone. Too much aldosterone in the body may result in headaches, a rise in blood pressure and potential heart problems associated with high blood pressure. As little as 5 g/day can be problematic for persons who already have blood pressure and heart issues.

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