Posts Tagged ‘anti-inflammatory’

Licorice Root

Licorice has been used for many years to treat and stop hot flashes naturally and common discomforting symptoms of menopause.It has been viewed as one of the many hot flash herbs.

It is thought to reduce estrogen levels while raising progesterone levels and, similarly to Black Cohosh,has estrogenic qualities.

WHAT IS LICORICE ROOT?

Licorice is a perennial herb, mostly grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. It has a long history of medicinal use in both Eastern and Western medicine. We all know licorice as a candy, but it has a lot of other beneficial uses. Among other things, it is a strong antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects.

The dried roots are made into supplements such as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.

 

On  Relief for  Menopause Symptoms

Licorice root contains phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are estrogen hormone-like chemicals found in plants.

How Does Licorice Root Work?

Licorice contains a lot of different active compounds. The most important for menopausal signs and symptoms are the phytoestrogens

The herb’s key medicinal compound is glycyrrhizin. It appears to block the activity of a specific enzyme which subsequently increases the activity of cortisol. This causes mild adrenal stimulation.

 

Are There Any Side Effect? Before taking any hot flash herbs you may want to do your research.

According to the literature and the information by the National Institute of Health licorice contains an active compound called glycyrrhizin, which can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems.

There are preparations without glycyrrhizin (DGL or De-glycyrrhizinated licorice) which may have fewer side effects.

If you are prone to high blood pressure, be careful when you take this herb. As always be safe and check with your health care provider before you start taking any supplements.