liver health and licorice root

liver health and licorice root

According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 25 million

American suffer from liver and gallbladder diseases. At present, there

are few treatments that provide an effective change in these

conditions, leaving many Americans to suffer, often, life threatening

complications.

Because the liver is a vital organ to the human body, breaking down

substances and working as a detoxification system, individuals who

suffer from liver disease, such as hepatitis, may want to consider

natural healing options. Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ) is a

flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for

thousands of years. Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and

Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the

common cold to liver disease. Licorice grows wild in some parts of

Europe and Asia. Licorice roots are brown on the outside and yellow on

the inside. Licorice both protects the liver and promotes healing in

this vital organ. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties help calm

hepatitis-associated liver inflammation. Licorice also fights the

virus commonly responsible for hepatitis and supplies valuable

antioxidant compounds that help maintain the overall health of the

liver. Licorice helps the body clear viral infections, and helps the

liver to clean itself. When processed into glycyrrhetinic acid,

Licorice root has a powerful anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effect

which works to slow the deterioration of the liver and alleviate

symptoms commonly associated with hepatitis.