What are the medicinal values ​​of licorice?

In our lives, many Chinese herbal medicines are commonly used. Among the many Chinese herbal medicines, licorice should be one of the most familiar to everyone. When it comes to the medicinal value of licorice, the first thing that everyone thinks of should be cough relief. Indeed, licorice has a very good effect in relieving cough. In fact, the medicinal value of licorice is very large. Let’s take a look at the introduction in this article.

Licorice is mild in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the twelve meridians. It has pharmacological effects such as detoxification, expectorant, analgesic, antispasmodic and even anti-cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice nourishes the spleen and replenishes qi, relieves coughs and moistens the lungs, relieves urgency and detoxifies, and harmonizes hundreds of medicines. Clinical application is divided into "raw use" and "honey roasting". When used raw, it is mainly used to treat sore throat, painful carbuncles, gastrointestinal ulcers, and to detoxify, food poisoning, etc.; when roasted with honey, it is mainly used to treat decreased spleen and stomach function, loose stools, fatigue, fever, cough, palpitations, etc.

1. Anti-acid

Licorice has an effect similar to adrenal cortex hormone. It has an inhibitory effect on excessive gastric acid secretion caused by histamine; it also has antacid and gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasm-relieving effects.

2. Antitussive

Licorice flavonoids, licorice extract and glycyrrhizic acid all have obvious antitussive effects; the expectorant effect is also significant, and the intensity of their effects is glycyrrhizic acid > glycyrrhizic flavonoids > licorice extract.

3. Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic

Licorice also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, and can protect inflamed throat and tracheal mucosa. Licorice extract and glycyrrhizic acid have a detoxifying effect similar to glucuronic acid on certain poisons.

4. Balance hormones in women

Licorice is often used to treat symptoms associated with menopause because it contains glycyrrhizin, a hormone-like compound that helps balance hormone levels in a woman's body.

5. Prevent and treat tumors

The subcitonic acid contained in licorice can block the effect of carcinogens in inducing tumor growth.

Now everyone should have some understanding of the medicinal value of licorice. You should also be careful when purchasing licorice. Moldy and spoiled licorice should not be purchased. When purchasing licorice, you should choose those with tight skin and solid texture. Although licorice is good, it is not suitable for long-term and large-scale consumption.