Licorice powder is made from the roots of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, China, India and the Middle East.
The roots are dried and ground into a fine powder that can be used for skin, hair and health purposes. Licorice powder contains beneficial compounds like glycyrrhizin, which provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Today, licorice powder and licorice root are still commonly used in alternative medicine and natural healing. They may help with issues like acid reflux, peptic ulcers, eczema, joint pain and upper respiratory infections.
How Licorice Powder Is Made
Licorice powder is made from the long, cylindrical roots of the licorice plant. Here are the basic steps:
- Harvest at least 20 fresh licorice root plants.
- Clean the roots thoroughly to remove soil and impurities.
- Cut the roots into smaller pieces.
- Dry the roots in the sun for at least one week to remove moisture.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder once completely dry.
- Allow the powder to air dry for a day, then sift to remove any remaining impurities.
- Store the finished licorice powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
The end result is a slightly yellow powder with a sweet aroma, ready to be used for health and beauty purposes.
Benefits of Licorice Powder for Skin
Using licorice powder topically on the skin provides several benefits:
Prevents Sun Damage
Licorice contains UV-blocking enzymes that help protect skin from sun damage that causes dark spots, age spots and an uneven complexion. The antioxidants also help fade existing sun spots for more even-toned skin.
Brightens Skin Tone
Applying licorice powder to areas of hyperpigmentation can brighten skin naturally. Over time, it evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
Fades Scars
Topical licorice powder may speed up healing of acne scars and marks from injuries. The antioxidants promote healing while the anti-inflammatory activity reduces redness and swelling.
Smooths Wrinkles
The antioxidant and UV-blocking compounds in licorice powder protect the skin from premature aging. With regular use, it prevents environmental damage to maintain supple, wrinkle-free skin.
Key Takeaway: Licorice powder protects from UV rays, brightens skin, fades scarring and prevents premature aging when used topically.
How to Use Licorice Powder on Skin
To use licorice powder for your skin:
- Mix 2 tablespoons licorice powder with 1 tablespoon honey until it forms a thick paste.
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and mix again. Thin with 1 teaspoon rose water if too thick.
- Apply evenly on cleansed skin and leave on for 25 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat skin dry.
- Use this face mask 2 times per week for optimal results.
Benefits of Licorice Powder for Hair
In addition to skin benefits, using licorice powder on the scalp and hair provides these advantages:
Prevents Hair Loss
Blood flow to hair follicles is key for healthy hair growth. Licorice powder promotes circulation in the scalp to nourish roots and prevent shedding.
Treats Dandruff
The antibacterial properties of licorice powder fight microbes that cause dandruff and itchy scalp issues. Its anti-inflammatory abilities also help with scalp irritation.
Stimulates Hair Growth
By increasing blood flow and oxygen to the scalp, licorice powder creates optimal conditions for new hair growth. It brings vital nutrients to dormant follicles.
Delays Graying
Antioxidants are important for maintaining your hair's natural pigment and preventing premature graying. Licorice powder provides antioxidant protection to preserve color.
How to Use Licorice Powder for Hair
Making a hair mask with licorice powder is easy:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt, 5 tablespoons licorice powder and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Apply all over scalp and hair, massaging lightly to distribute evenly.
- Allow it to soak in for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Use this nourishing hair mask treatment 1-2 times per week.
Health Benefits of Consuming Licorice Powder
Ingesting licorice powder provides these wellness advantages:
Freshens Breath
The natural antimicrobial compounds in licorice powder fight bacteria growth inside the mouth. This helps prevent bad breath, tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Strengthens Immunity
Consuming licorice powder regularly may help boost immune function to ward off illnesses. The antioxidants and nutrients also increase energy levels and fight fatigue.
Regulates Hormones
The beneficial effects of licorice powder on the adrenal glands may help modulate hormones involved in issues like hot flashes, menstrual pain and post-pregnancy changes.
Aids Weight Loss
Some research shows licorice powder can support weight management efforts. It contains fiber to curb appetite and flavonoids to prevent LDL cholesterol accumulation.
How to Use Licorice Powder
One of the most popular ways to use licorice powder is to make healing licorice root tea:
- Boil water in a pot on the stove. Add 1 licorice root and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
- Allow to simmer for 5 minutes before adding any desired tea leaves.
- After 5 more minutes, strain the tea into a cup. Add honey or sugar to taste.
Drink this soothing licorice tea as needed to harness the internal health benefits of licorice.
| Use | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Even skin tone | Apply as face mask | 2 times per week |
| Prevent hair loss | Apply as hair mask | 1-2 times per week |
| Soothe sore throat | Drink as licorice tea | As needed |
| Aid digestion | Take licorice powder supplement | Daily |
| Boost immunity | Add to smoothies | 2-3 times per week |
Is Licorice Powder Safe?
Used appropriately, licorice powder is generally safe. However, large doses or long-term use may cause side effects like high blood pressure, muscle weakness, headaches and fluid retention in some individuals.
Pregnant women should not consume large amounts, as excess licorice may increase the risk of premature birth or health issues for the baby. Licorice powder likely passes into breastmilk, so nursing mothers should exercise caution as well.
People with the following conditions should avoid supplemental licorice powder due to possible negative interactions:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Hormone-sensitive cancers
- Diabetes
- Low potassium levels
Always check with your healthcare provider before taking licorice powder if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. Signs of licorice overdose include muscle weakness, fatigue, headaches or heart rhythm changes.
FAQs
How much licorice powder should I take?
Most experts recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to 100 mg per day at maximum to prevent adverse effects. Since licorice products vary in content, talk to your doctor to determine an appropriate amount for your individual needs.
What's the difference between licorice powder and DGL?
Licorice products labeled DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) have had the glycyrrhizin compounds removed. This lowers the risk of side effects. However, it may also reduce therapeutic benefits.
Can licorice powder remove facial hair?
Some websites claim licorice root can remove unwanted facial hair, but there is little scientific evidence confirming this effect at this time.
Conclusion
With its long history of traditional use around the world, licorice root remains a popular natural remedy thanks to science-backed benefits. Licorice powder and supplements may improve skin conditions, strengthen hair, enhance immunity and even aid weight loss when used appropriately.
However, exceeding the recommended dosages can trigger elevated blood pressure, muscle weakness and fluid retention in some cases. By avoiding licorice products if you have underlying medical conditions and limiting intake per your doctor's advice, you can safely harness licorice powder's healing potential.