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Is Licorice Root Good for Heart Burn?

Is Licorice Root Good for Heart Burn?

Darrell Miller

07/07/11

Date: July 07, 2011 03:22 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Is Licorice Root Good for Heart Burn?

Licorice And The Stomach

Licorice root is best known as an all natural remedy for disorders of the alimentary canal, such as sore throat, peptic ulcer, acid reflux, and heartburn. It has been the subject of numerous scientific studies in the past few decades, and preliminary results have been largely positive. It is historically used as a health tonic that promotes health throughout the “twelve meridians” in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a plant species that belongs to the same family as peas and beans. As such, it is classified as a legume and consumed as a vegetable. It has been cultivated as a spice in the East. Its root is highly prized for its aromatic sweet flavor, the reason why it is also referred to as sweet root in the vernacular. Licorice candies are among the most popular confectioneries in European countries.

Consumption of licorice root can be traced back to the ancient times when it was dug up, washed, and chewed on fresh. This practice remains common today in some parts of Europe, notably in Spain and Italy. While it looks like wooden sticks, it is soft and easy to chew. Thicker roots are sweeter than the thin ones. Plus, its savory taste and agreeable smell made it an ideal breath freshener back in the day.

Folk medicine practices in Asian countries have attributed curative powers to licorice root. It is boiled and the extracts are consumed as a health tonic to revitalize the path of life energy known as “qi” in twelve regular acupuncture points or meridians. These points are also called channel of the hands and feet directly connected to the health of internal organs, including the liver, stomach, and intestines.

Modern science has started to evaluate the age-old health claims tied to licorice root. In Japan, it has been incorporated into conventional medicine. In particular, it is used as a treatment for chronic viral hepatitis and herpes infections. Research in Germany has come to a conclusion that it shows promise in alleviating the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, which include heartburn.

Acid indigestion, which is commonly referred to as heartburn, is a feeling of radiating acidity in the chest, as its name suggests. More often than not, this sensation rises to the neck, throat, and jaws. It is almost always associated with Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease, though it may also be a symptom of ischemic heart disease. Some cases are idiopathic in nature, which means there are no known causes.

There is good scientific evidence that licorice contains organic compounds that restore health to the esophagus, stomach, and the rest of the alimentary canal. Numerous studies suggest that oral intake of licorice removes the pain characteristic of heartburn. As a general rule, a dose of 1 milliliter three times a day for a span of four weeks reduces the severity of symptoms in less than a month.

DGL licorice is what one needs for chronic heartburn. DGL licorice can help repair the stomach lining that has been eaten away by stomach acids. Grab some DGL licorice and feel the difference standardized licorice can have on your stomach!