AKA: Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Liquiritia officinalis, Sweet Root, Sweet Wood, Gan Cao, Kuo-lao, Ling-t’ung, Liquorice, Mi-kan. Yasti Madhu

The Licorice plant is a legume that is native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is closely related to Anise and fennel. It is an herbaceous perennial that get up to one meter in height, has pinnate leaves 7 to 15 centimeters long, small purple to pale whitish blue flowers, and a fruit that is a oblong pod about a inch in length.  The plant is harvested after two to three years of growing and the root is valued for it sweet taste, being used to make sweets and candies. Its sweet taste is attributed to the active principle glycyrrhizin which is considered to be 50 times sweeter than sugar.

Benefits and Uses

• Expectorant
• Mild laxative
• Healing ulcers
• Relieves heartburn and indigestion
• Pain relief
• Anti-allergenic
• Soothes nerves
• Helps with many different Ailments

Licorice root is perhaps one of the most overlooked herbal remedies and its resume of uses is one that is very long and impressive. Some ailments that it is effective against include: asthma, athletes foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds, flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, gingivitis, tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections, prostate enlargement and arthritis (just to name a few).

Aside from being a candy (although most “licorice candy” is made from anise) Licorice root is probably best known for its abilities as an expectorant. It is found as an additive in many different cough syrups. It helps ease congestion and coughing by loosening and thinning mucus in the airways making coughing more productive allowing more phlegm and other mucus bits to come up. It also helps relax bronchial spasms and soothes a sore throat. Its immune boosting capabilities also help the body fight off respiratory infections.

Licorice is also considered a mild laxative and is useful for other digestive system ailments such as heartburn, indigestion and ulcers. It has also been used to ease irritation, inflammation and spasms of the digestive tract. It is also considered to be beneficial to the liver, increasing bile flow and lowering cholesterol levels.

Licorice has an aspirin like ability to relieve pain and bring down fevers making it an ideal herbal remedy for colds, flu and even headaches. It also works as an anti-allergenic and strengthens the immune system by boosting the levels of interferon, a key virus attacking chemical. Glycyrrhizinic acid has also shown the ability to cease the growth of many different bacteria and viruses.

Licorice root can also be considered a mild anti-depressant along the lines of St. John’s Wort. It is generally including in herbal teas that are aimed at calming and soothing the nerves.  Glycyrrhizin ( the key component of licorice) has also shown the  ability to prevent the breakdown of cortisol, which is the body’s primary stress fighting adrenal hormone, allowing it to be more available to combat stress in the body.

Licorice root has also been found to contain phytoestrogens making is potentially useful at treating menstrual problems. Phytoestrogens are estrogen like compounds that are found in different plants and utilizing them can help women combat symptoms of PMS such as irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.

Recent studies have found that 100 mg of licorice root a day could possibly help limit the damage cause by LDL (bad ) cholesterol. It may discourage plaque formation  and help the heart function better, preventing heart disease.

Warnings:

Licorice may cause water retention, raise blood pressure and may cause mild adrenal stimulation.

coming soon....