Licorice is a leguminous plant related to beans and peas, predominantly grown in southern Europe and parts of Asia. The root of this plant is dried and ground to obtain Licorice Powder  has been used for centuries as a medicine. Historians have claimed that the army of Alexander the Great used this spice to quench their thirst and keep up their energy during battles. The flavor of this spice is similar to that of star anise, tarragon, and fennel. Let us discover the uses and benefits of this ‘sweet root powder’ in this article.

Uses of Licorice Powder

Licorice powder, owing to its pleasant sweet taste and therapeutic benefits, finds its use in many spheres of life. The principle agent of the spice is ‘anethol’, but the sweet taste and diverse medicinal uses of the spice are due to glycyrrhizin – a compound sweeter than sugar.

1. Culinary

Major culinary uses of licorice are food-industry based. Licorice extracts, used commonly as sweeteners, are made by boiling the root or powder in water and evaporating most of it. They are used to flavor different types of confectionaries like ‘liquorice’ candies and cakes. It is also used in soft drinks and herbal teas for a sweet aftertaste. The powder is also used as a culinary spice in Chinese foods to add flavor to savory recipies like broths and items simmered in soy sauce.

2. Medicinal

The Egyptians used to refer to licorice as the ‘cure all’ herb while the Chinese called it "the great detoxifier". True to its name, the root has an impressive list of well documented uses in natural and complementary therapy, that have been overlooked for long. Licorice powder possesses antioxidant, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, diuretic, estrogenic, expectorant, and aldosterone properties. It is a rich source of fibre, niacin, and minerals like magnesium, silicon, sodium, chromium, cobalt, iron, and potassium. Traditionally, it was used to heal sore throats, menstrual cramps, arthritis, respiratory problems, and fever in different cultures. The list of health conditions licorice powder can cure is endless, read more about it in the health benefits section.

Health benefits of Licorice powder

Different parts of the licorice plant, be it the leaves or root powder, have medicinal benefits. Here are some benefits of licorice powder:

• Cures respiratory problems like cold, cough, flu, phlegm, congestion, asthma, tuberculosis, and chest infections
• Blood cleanser and detoxifier
• Hepatoprotective in nature – increases bile secretion, minimizes steroid metabolism, reduced triglyceride accumulation in the liver, increase glycogen levels in the liver , protects liver against lesions, hepatitis, and cirrhosis
• Treats mouth ulcers
• Mild laxative
• Treats digestive system problems like acidity, ulcers, indigestion, heartburn, etc.
• Treats skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis
• Mildly improves estrogen levels -  normalizes ovulation, balances menstrual flow, increases milk production
• Increases endurance, strength
• Combats stress – cures chronic fatigue syndrome
• Reduces cholesterol – especially LDL cholesterol
• Improves body immunity by triggering interferon - slows the progression of HIV to AIDS
• Antiviral and Anti fungal in nature
• Increases salivation
• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Prevents increased potassium levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Licorice powder consumption may have some side effects like; it can raise blood pressure, cause sodium and water retention, and loss of potassium in the body. Thus, should be used under supervision. 

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