What is licorice and what are the advantages of it?

 When the word "licorice" comes to mind, the first thing you picture is candy, right? But guess what? This ingredient is widely used as a super herb in beauty products.

 What Is Licorice Root?

Licorice is also known as Yastimadhu in Ayurveda and Mulethi in Indian households. Licorice is also an adaptogen, which is a natural chemical that helps with the body's response to stress.  Licorice root is grown across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Licorice powder has a slightly yellowish hue and is high in antioxidants, calcium, glycyrrhizin acid, antibiotics, and protein.

Licorice is used as a flavouring agent and also offers a wide array of advantages for our skin. These range from promoting an even skin tone and helping in skin brightening, to addressing irritated skin and various skin conditions. There are plenty of reasons to incorporate the magical ingredient into your skincare regimen. Keep reading to get more insights into licorice benefits for skin and its potential to transform all types of skin!

Health Benefits of Licorice

The anti-microbial properties of licorice powder boost immunity and also shields the body from several infections. Consuming this ayurvedic elixir can help with weakness and fatigue. Not only that, but it also keeps the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands functioning efficiently. In the past, licorice root was used to treat diseases like issues with the lungs, liver, blood circulation, and kidneys. Nowadays, licorice root is promoted as a supplement to tackle digestive issues, symptoms during menopause, cough, and infections caused by bacteria and viruses.  The compounds found in licorice root can help alleviate issues like indigestion, bloating, and heartburn. Interestingly, licorice might also play a role in supporting respiratory health. In certain formulations, it has been used to ease coughs and promote relief from chest congestion. While licorice clearly has plenty of potential health benefits, it is important to talk with a healthcare expert before implementing it into your wellness routine, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are using medications.

Benefits Of Licorice For Skin

Licorice is a common component in skin care products due to its naturally beneficial compounds and properties. Licorice is an excellent skin brightener and contains a compound called "glabridin," which helps to fade hyper-pigmentation and sun damage, such as dark spots. Furthermore, glabridin contributes to moisturizing the skin and maintaining its smoothness. The second component of licorice that aids in the treatment of melamа is Liquiritin. Melasma is a common form of skin discolouration that appears as blotchy spots on the face and body, especially in women.

 Let's look at some of the benefits of licorice for skin.

Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Licorice extract is highly effective in reversing pigmentation and reducing melasma, a condition that arises from sun exposure or hormonal fluctuations..Licorice root extract brightens and soothes itchy, irritated skin. Applying licorice powder as an ayurvedic face pack to the affected area helps in naturally diminishing dark spots and patches, resulting in a plumper and radiant look. 

Brightens Skin

Liquorice is a brilliant alternative for those who prefer to steer clear of applying chemicals to their skin. Licorice is highly effective in diminishing skin blemishes and hyperpigmentation. Glabridin is one of the most powerful and potent compounds found in licorice root extract. It has skin-lightening elements and prevents the formation of the enzyme tyrosinase, which causes the skin to darken after sun exposure. If you're looking for a face pack for glowing skin, and have issues like freckles and spots from the sun, scars from acne, or just want your skin to appear a bit more radiant, then licorice is a great option. Whether you want something natural like an instant glow face pack to make your skin brighter or a gentle ingredient for inflamed skin, then licorice is the best.

Calms Inflammation

Licorice has a strong ability to calm down inflammation in the body. Its natural compounds, like glycyrrhizin, help to stop the body from becoming too inflamed. Licorice helps the body's defence system work better thereby promoting overall well-being. 

Licorice powder has a therapeutic impact on the body. It is highly impactful when treating internal inflammation, like ulcers, acid reflux, and heartburn. It’s also highly effective in healing the throat after a cold or viral infection.

Offers Sun Protection

Sun-induced dark spots and age spots can reveal your age and negatively impact your skin. The application of topical Licorice can assist in achieving a smoother and brighter skin tone, mainly due to Glabridin (a chemical compound from licorice root extract) that prevents skin darkening after sun exposure. Licorice also contains enzymes that shield against UV rays, protecting your skin from discolouration.

Fades Scars

Scars from acne and injuries can take a long time to heal. Licorice powder speeds up the process by levelling out skin tone and reducing the visibility of scars. 

Read Also: Best Ways to Use Turmeric on the Face & Body

Benefits of Licorice For Hair 

Reduces dandruff

Dandruff can get really messy especially if it falls like flakes on your shoulders. The antibacterial properties in licorice powder reduce dandruff and other scalp infections that cause itching on the scalp.

Promotes hair growth

Are you worried about your thinning hair?

Hair growth becomes stagnant due to stress, poor hair care habits or an unhealthy diet. Licorice powder is known to increase blood and oxygen supply to the hair, which boosts hair growth.

Prevents premature greying

Ayurveda recommends applying licorice powder to the hair to prevent premature greying. The wide range of antioxidants and nutrients inherent in this natural ingredient has the potent power to transform your hair. 

Prevents hair fall

Licorice powder could be the answer to all your hair woes. Licorice has been shown to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and nourish the roots by providing essential nutrients to hair follicles.

This helps to reduce as well as condition the hair, adding a healthy sheen to it.

 Wrapping Up

Licorice root is an absolute gem in the field of holistic health and well-being. Licorice root extract can be used to treat a range of skin disorders. On the one hand, it calms stressed skin by fighting external stressors such as UV, sun damage, inflammation, and redness, and on the other, it assists in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. The health advantages of licorice, which range from digestive comfort to anti-inflammatory characteristics, emphasise the numerous ways in which this miraculous root can contribute to our vitality. Licorice root has many distinctive compounds that are not found anywhere else. Try using products containing whole licorice root or extracts the next time you want to give your skincare routine a natural boost.