What Are The Benefits Of Licorice Root For Bladder Inflammation?

Licorice root, also known as "sweet root," enhances the flavors of cough syrup, candy, medication and oral laxatives. It is an herbal root and a supplement for the daily dietary treatment of throat infections, bronchitis and stomach ulcers. It also brings easier urination when suffering from a bladder infection.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice acts similar to an anti-inflammatory, decreasing swelling and inflammation. You can consume it in an herbal tea, which will taste good and help soothe the lining of your bladder, causing urethral spasms to lessen. Your bladder will empty better with a more even urine flow. Bladder spasms stop the flow of urine, causing retention, then spillage, called incontinence.

Preventing Incontinence

Nothing is more embarrassing than leaking urine when coughing or sneezing. As you become older, your body's organs lessen in muscle strength, causing weakening of sphincters and poor bladder control. Unless you regularly perform pelvic floor exercises, you remain likely to experience a small leakage of urine at an unsuspected moment. Licorice root helps prevent incontinence, allowing your bladder to empty better, leaving less urine to overflow when you bend over or strain to cough.

Bladder Inflammation

Bladder inflammation or cystitis brings symptoms of urethral pain and spasms. An infection usually is present, with cystitis causing your urine to burn as your bladder empties. The burning sensation can cause lack of sleep. Licorice root's anti-inflammatory, soothing chemical makeup helps end these symptoms, providing less painful urination.

Warning

Do not take a licorice supplement if you suffer from diabetes or kidney disease. Before starting any herbal supplement, including licorice root, talk to your physician. A bladder infection needs treatment with antibiotics. Licorice root does not cure an infection. It only soothes the symptoms, making you feel less discomfort. Taking licorice root for extended periods of time will cause health problems.

Side Effects

Side effects of licorice root include high blood pressure, weakness, paralysis and brain damage. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately.