Licorice Root: A Medicine To Calm Your Stomach

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)  is a natural ingredient that has been used since ancient times as a home remedy for various types of ailments. Due to its characteristic sweet taste, it is also used as a sweetener in the food industry, and to soften the taste of some medicines.

It can also be found in the form of herbal tea, capsules, extracts and other presentations intended to serve as a supplement. Thus, some people use it to soothe digestive discomfort, menopause symptoms, infections, among other health problems.

However, is it safe to use? Has its properties been proven? So far, there is not enough evidence to consider this root as a treatment for diseases. However, some studies support its use as an adjuvant in case of digestive discomfort.

Licorice Root Properties

First, it is advisable to briefly review the properties that have been found in licorice root. According to information published in  Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, more than 20 triterpenoids and almost 300 flavonoids were found in this plant, which could explain its pharmacological properties.

In general, it is said to have properties:

• Antivirals
• Antimicrobials
• Antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory

For the time being, evidence in this regard is limited and the root remains an object of study. However, some researchers suggest that  its effects hold promise for the future development of effective and affordable drugs.

Does licorice root help to calm the stomach?

Some of the chemical compounds contained in licorice root, such as flavonoids, are believed to help reduce bloating and speed relief from gastrointestinal problems. In this regard, there is still no solid evidence, but some studies have made interesting discoveries.

For example, a double-blind study published in the medical journal Evidence Based  Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that an extract containing glabridin, glabrene and the flavonoids present in licorice root was helpful in calming stomach discomfort such as nausea, abdominal pain and heartburn.

Meanwhile, a review published in  Phytotherapy Research states that the glycyrrhine acid contained in this root has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties, which contribute to fighting H. Pylory bacteria , a microorganism that causes various digestive disorders such as ulcers.

This was also evidenced in a clinical trial published in The Brazilian Journal of Infectious  Diseases, in which  120 people found positive effects against the eradication of  H. Pylori by  adding licorice extract to their standard treatment.

Is it safe to use this natural remedy?

Before testing licorice root as a supplement against digestive problems, it is important to consult your doctor to establish a safe dosage for each case. In addition, the provider will help establish if there are contraindications or possible interactions with other medications.

According to information collected by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH),  no person should consume licorice root in excessive amounts or for long periods. Excesses can cause high blood pressure and low potassium levels,  which in turn increase the risk of heart and muscle disorders.

Consumption is not recommended during pregnancy. Also, consuming licorice root supplements simultaneously with diuretic medications can be harmful to the heart. Other possible drug interactions include:

• Medicines to regulate heart rate.
• Potassium reducers.
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin.
• Estrogen, hormone therapy and birth control pills.
• Corticosteroids.

How to consume this medicine in case of stomach discomfort?

Currently, licorice root is available as chewable tablets, liquid extracts, capsules, powder or as an herb. Generally, people choose to use it in its natural form to make infusions. However, it is important to consume it in a timely manner and in moderate amounts, to avoid the side effects of excess.

In case of stomach discomfort, it is advisable to add liquid licorice extract to a natural drink, or in hot water. It is even advisable to put a few drops under the tongue to soothe discomfort.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that this is not a first choice treatment for digestive system conditions. Therefore, in the face of any symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor or gastroenterologist.