What is licorice oil? What are its various health benefits for the body? Can it be used to whiten the skin? Learn with us from the following paragraphs about the benefits and potential harms of licorice oil, what happens in the event of an overdose, and many other important information for you.

What is licorice oil?

It is an oil or an extract extracted from the roots of licorice (in English, Licorice Root), and it is considered one of the common forms of licorice. This liquid extract contains many beneficial components, which contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory that provide many health benefits to the body.

Benefits of licorice oil

As we mentioned earlier, licorice oil is extracted from the plant or roots of licorice, so most of the health benefits of the oil are similar to the roots themselves, and the most prominent of these benefits are the following:

1- The benefits of licorice oil for the skin

Licorice roots contain many components that can help reduce skin inflammation and inflammation in some other parts of the body, as these components can help treat some skin problems such as eczema and acne, according to a number of research and studies.

2- Treatment of stomach ulcers

Some trials have found that adding licorice extract or oil to a treatment program can help treat Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infections that can cause stomach ulcers or stomach upsets. Other studies have also found that some types of licorice oil can reduce symptoms of general gastrointestinal irritation.

3- Reducing hepatitis C

Glycyrrhizin (the substance responsible for the sweet taste in licorice) in licorice extract can help relieve hepatitis C, a condition affecting the liver that, if left untreated, can cause long-term damage.

Research indicated that glycyrrhizin shows antimicrobial activity against hepatitis, but more studies and experiments are still needed to prove efficacy.

4- Prevent tooth decay

Some research indicates that licorice extract or oil can help kill the bacteria in the mouth that lead to tooth decay, as it can reduce the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth, and reduce the amount of acidity around the teeth, which helps reduce the chances of caries. .

5- Treating sore throat

Many types and forms of licorice can help treat sore throat and some other respiratory disorders. According to the experiences of many people, drinking licorice tea can help relieve minor irritation and sore throat. However, more evidence is still needed.

6- Licorice oil for whitening

Some data indicates that licorice oil can be used to whiten and lighten the skin, as licorice extract contains components called liquiritin and licochalcone, both of which help prevent the body from making the enzyme tyrosinase responsible for determining the reaction that forms melanin in the body, so over time the areas may become Those treated with this extract are more light.

7- Other potential benefits

Some other possible health benefits of licorice root extract include:

• Help in cases of diabetes.
• Reducing symptoms of menopause.
• Promote body weight loss.

Damage to licorice oil

Most licorice products are considered safe to use, but excessive consumption and use of these products can cause health complications. Excessive or chronic use of licorice products can lead to a buildup of glycyrrhizin in the body.

Studies have indicated that high levels of this substance in the body can cause an abnormal increase in the hormone cortisol, which in turn affects the balance of fluids and mineral salts in the body. The harms of taking excessive doses of licorice extract or oil or any of the licorice products include the following:

Determining the appropriate dose of licorice products that are used depends on the condition being treated, but it is advised not to take any large quantities of licorice, whether in the form of food or supplements, or use it as an oil topically excessively and without testing for sensitivity.

Licorice oil for pregnant women

It is never recommended to eat large quantities of licorice for pregnant women, as some studies indicate that consuming licorice in excess led to the accumulation of glycyrrhizin, and this in turn affected the growth and development of the fetus, especially the development of the brain. Breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid consuming these products in excess, and pregnant women should not use the oil topically without consulting a doctor.