Health Benefits of Galangal and Licorice

Polyphenols and Health

Polyphenols are also thought to protect against mental decline, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

May Protect Against Certain Cancers

Galangal root may help protect your body against certain types of cancer. Test-tube studies suggest that the active compound in galangal root, known as galangin, may kill cancer cells or prevent them from spreading.

More specifically, one study highlighted the spice’s ability to kill two strains of human colon cancer cells. Other studies suggest it may fight breast, bile duct, skin, and liver cancer cells.

May Boost Male Fertility

Emerging evidence suggests that galangal root may boost male fertility. In one animal study, sperm count and motility increased in rats given galangal root extract.

Additionally, in a 3-month study in 66 men with low sperm quality, taking a daily supplement containing galangal root experienced a 62% increase in sperm motility, compared with a 20% increase in those in the placebo group.

May Fight Inflammation and Pain

Galangal root may reduce disease-causing inflammation, as it contains HMP, a naturally occurring phytochemical that test-tube and animal studies have suggested boasts potent anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, plants of the Zingiberaceae family, including galangal, appear to mildly reduce pain, a common symptom of inflammation.

For instance, in one 6-week study in 261 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, 63% of those who took a galangal extract daily reported a reduction in knee pain when standing, compared with 50% of those taking a placebo.

May Protect Against Infections

Essential oils extracted from galangal root may fight a range of microorganisms.

As such, galangal root may prolong the shelf life of certain foods. Also, adding fresh galangal root to your recipes may reduce your risk of vibriosis, an infection caused by eating undercooked shellfish.

Furthermore, test-tube studies suggest that galangal root may kill harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhi.

Finally, some research suggests that galangal root may protect against fungi, yeasts, and parasites.

Benefits of Licorice

The health benefits of licorice include relief from canker sores, stomach disorders, respiratory ailments, pre-menstrual syndrome, peptic ulcers, menopausal symptoms, and it helps in fighting various kinds of infections such as herpes, and hepatitis.

It is also effective in relieving symptoms of various health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, tuberculosis, neurological disorders, female infertility, and obesity. It also helps maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. Licorice extracts contain phytoestrogens, which promote detoxification, healthy skin and hair, dental health, and immune defense.

Licorice Nutrition Facts

Licorice offers a wide range of beneficial nutrients and flavonoids. It is a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin E (tocopherol). It also provides minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, silicon, and zinc.

It is a storehouse of essential phytonutrients, including beta-carotene, glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin, thymol, phenol, ferulic acid, and quercetin.

Health Benefits of Licorice

Aphthous Ulcers or Canker Sores

According to the study published in the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, licorice has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of painful recurrent aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores.

Liver Protection

Studies have shown promising results regarding the hepatoprotective effect of licorice. It contains glycyrrhizin, which is effective in the treatment of liver disorders by reducing toxicity and helping in stabilizing the normal functional condition of the liver.

Stomach Disorders

Licorice can provide protection against the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria and can also exert therapeutic effects in curing the symptoms of dyspepsia or impaired digestion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Licorice extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties and have been proven to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Menopause and Premenstrual Syndrome

Licorice root is effective in treating the symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is rich in isoflavones, which help to maintain the estrogen and progesterone balance in the body.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Licorice is useful in preventing the malfunction of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of hormones such as cortisol to manage stress in the body.

Boosts Immunity

Licorice aids in improving the immune defense mechanism of the body. It also helps in elevating the levels of interferon, an anti-viral agent which, along with glycyrrhizinic acid, stimulates the action of immune cells and helps in combating the infectious bacteria and viruses such as influenza A.

Relief from Tuberculosis Symptoms

Studies have shown that licorice is effective in the treatment of tuberculosis and helps in reducing the length of the healing process. The antimycobacterial and antimicrobial action of its constituents make it an effective antitubercular agent.

Treats Infections

Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which is effective in treating various viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. It also has an antiviral effect that inhibits the growth of the herpes virus.

Atherosclerosis

Licorice roots possess antioxidants that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The flavonoid glabridin prevents the accumulation of LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Respiratory Disorders

Licorice is beneficial in treating sore throats, coughs, colds, bronchitis, and lung diseases like emphysema. It helps in expelling mucus and relaxing bronchial spasms.

Detoxification

Licorice possesses laxative qualities and promotes detoxification of both the colon and blood. It helps the body in discarding harmful toxins.

Increases Female Fertility

Licorice helps regulate estrogen secretion, normalizes irregular menstruation, restores ovulation, and encourages conception. It is also beneficial for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) treatment.

Fights Obesity

Licorice extracts may help in preventing obesity by reducing abdominal fat and triglyceride levels.

Skin Care

Licorice is effective in treating eczema, athlete’s foot, and psoriasis. It has skin-lightening effects and provides protection against UV radiation-induced damage.

Hepatitis

Licorice is beneficial in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus by suppressing antigen secretion and enhancing liver function.

Gastric or Peptic Ulcers

Deglycyrrhizinized licorice is effective in treating gastric ulcers without causing side effects such as edema, electrolyte imbalance, or weight gain.

Hair Care

Licorice reduces oil secretion and prevents dandruff while promoting hair growth.

Dental Health

Licorice extracts help prevent dental caries and gingivitis due to their antibacterial properties.

Neurological Disorders

Licorice is effective in treating Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease, preventing involuntary tear flow and neurological symptoms.

Cardiovascular Health

Licorice roots' antioxidants prevent cardiovascular stress, support vascular health, and maintain smooth blood flow in diabetic patients.

Cognitive Function

Licorice helps prevent cognitive impairment and enhances learning and memory functions in diabetics.

Diabetic Nephropathy

Studies show that licorice has hypoglycemic effects and therapeutic potential for diabetes management due to its antioxidant properties.