Brighten, Balance, and Glow with Licorice Extract

Licorice also known as Yashtimadhu is a revered herb in ancient Ayurveda, often remembered as one of the modern world’s most popular confections. It is also known as ‘Healers Root.’ This healer’s root consists of an array of health benefits and ensures to promote overall well being to people relying on this medicinal root that has been used for thousands of years in cooking and as a remedy for a multitude of ailments. Yahtimadhu is Sanskrit translated to ‘Sweet Stick’ due to the sweet taste, much more relevant as a candy bestowed upon us by mother nature.

Due to its versatile and powerful properties Licorice is an ideal ally to support Vata dosha and Pitta dosha, if used in moderation, Licorice can also be beneficial for Kapha dosha. Let’s take a look at the relationship between tri-dosha’s and Licorice in pacifying the dosha’s.

Relationship of Licorice with various Dosha’s

Licorice & Vata Dosha

Licorice has many properties to pacify the characteristics of Vata dosha like the dryness, cold, anxiety, insomnia, constipation, and joint pain. Licorice aims at pacifying these issues with its nourishing and moisturizing properties that help counter the dryness, and cold characteristics of Vata dosha. However, its therapeutic and soothing properties help to alleviate the joint pain and relieve constipation. Licorice’s grounding and calming nature pacifies the airy and mobile qualities of Vata, reducing stress, promoting restful sleep, and improving digestion.

Licorice & Pitta Dosha:

An imbalance in Pitta dosha often leads to issues like inflammation, heartburn, acidity, skin redness and rashes, and irritability, in general. Licorice is enriched with potent soothing and calming properties to pacify the Pitta Dosha and helps to calm the heat associated with it. Licorice also helps to soothe the inflammation, reduces acidity, and helps heal conditions like gastritis or skin irritations.

Licorice & Kapha Dosha:

Licorice also plays a vital role in pacifying the Kapha Dosha. An imbalance in Kapha Dosha often leads to the feeling of heaviness, lethargy, fatigue, congestion, weight gain, and accumulation of excess mucus. Even though the Licorice inhibits sweetness, and sweetness often increases the Kapha its warming and expectorant properties help alleviate excess mucus and congestion from the respiratory system and lungs. It also provides a boost of energy without causing the sluggishness or lethargy often seen in aggravated Kapha and helps pacify the overall symptoms of this dosha.

Licorice is a Tridoshic herb, which means it can balance and pacify all three doshas, though in different degrees. It is especially effective for calming and healing Vata and Pitta Dosha, but Licorice must be used cautiously in large quantities for Kapha-dominant individuals due to its naturally sweet taste.

Licorice Extract for Skin: After hailing the benefits of pacifying your dosha with Licorice, let’s uncover the immense benefits of licorice extract for skin to resolve all skin woes and how you can incorporate it in your daily lifestyle or skincare regimen.

A lesser-known secret is that Licorice can help control excess oil production, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It also has natural sun-protective properties, providing a bit of extra defense against UV rays. For those seeking to harness its benefits, incorporating licorice extract into your skincare routine—through serums, creams, or masks—can lead to a brighter, healthier complexion. Let’s explore the multiple skin benefits of Licorice and ways to incorporate it in daily regimen.

Licorice Benefits for Skin:

• Skin Brightening: Licorice contains – Glabridin, a vital compound responsible for treating skin pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Thus, Licorice helps in brightening the skin, reducing pigmentation, lightening the dark spots and blemishes, treating hyperpigmentation, and helps even out the skin tone, thereby fostering a healthy and natural glow with this potent herb.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Licorice extract consists of Liquiritin, which helps to reduce inflammation and redness and ideal for a sensitive or irritated skin. The Licorice extracts are immensely beneficial for skin conditions like Eczema or Rosacea.
• Evens Out Skin Tone: Licorice extract helps to control pigmentation and reduce the production of melanin. This in turn helps to bring out the natural brightness of the skin and even the skin tone. Regular usage may even show results like fading of dark spots, treating discoloration.
• Reduces Dark Spots & Blemishes: It works absolutely well when it comes to reducing the dark spots and blemishes, as Licorice helps to neutralize free radicals and prevent future damages.
• Soothes Sensitive & Inflamed Skin: With its potent anti-inflammatory properties, Licorice extract helps to soothe the sensitive and inflamed skin and simultaneously reduce rashes, redness, etc. If you have a sensitive skin that can’t bear the harsh chemical infused products then Licorice is the ideal option to opt for to treat it gently.
• Balances Oil Production: Licorice consists of mild astringent properties that help balance the skin’s oil levels and controls excess accumulation of oil. It helps people having either oily or combination skin type. It also helps to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, and control sebum production.
• Shields from Environmental Damage: The antioxidants in Licorice helps to protect the skin from environmental damages, and pollution. The antioxidants present in Licorice, can slow the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Other Benefits of Licorice: Apart from Licorice benefits for the skin, let’s explore the other benefits of this powerful and ancient herb:

Different Ways to Use Licorice Extract for Skin Brightening:

• As a Face Serum: Various products now-a-days have infused serums with Licorice extract for providing instant glow and hydration to the face.
• In Face Mask: Mix Licorice powder or extract with yogurt and honey to create a brightening face mask. Apply it once a week to combat dullness and dark spots.
• As a Spot Treatment: You can apply licorice extract directly to dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation, for a more targeted approach to spot treatment.
• As a Toner: People are extensively using Licorice infused toners for a more firm and toned skin. You can make a DIY licorice toner by mixing licorice extract with rose water for added hydration and soothing benefits.
• As a Moisturizer: Use a moisturizer with Licorice extract to get a healthy, moisturized, and nourished skin to get a brightening effect.

Licorice is an ancient and powerful ingredient that consists of multi-fold benefits not just for skin but also for mental well-being, and overall wellness. From fading dark spots to reducing inflammation, its versatility makes it a must-have in any skincare routine and overall wellness.

Shankara’s Brightening Serum

Go the Ayurveda way to glam up and prepare your skin for a gorgeous look with Shankara’s Brightening Serum infused with Licorice extracts. Our Brightening Serum is a unique blend of science-backed processes & traditional ingredients like Licorice Root Extract. Just a few drops of the serum are potent enough to counter the effects of environmental stressors & reduce pigmentation, tan & discoloration. This serum has all that your skin needs this festive season to shine and glow. So, let’s embrace the power of licorice and unravel its transformative effects for your skin!

Get your hands on the best serum by Shankara’s - Brightening Serum and infuse the festive cheer on your face.