<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra), has for a long time been used as flavoring agent, food product and herbal supplement.
There are many different varieties of licorice, from very sweet to a sharp almost peppery flavor.
Ayurvedic, Chinese
and European herbalists found licorice’s anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, expectorant, laxative,
diuretic, demulcent and other properties to be extremely important in their treatment of many illnesses. It contains vitamins
A, B complex and E, with many minerals and bioflavonoids.
Licorice soothes and relieves irritation , especially of mucous
membranes so is used to treat stomach disorders like inflammation or ulceration, loosening congestion in the lungs and relieving
sore throats, abdominal problems like constipation, reduction of pain in conditions like arthritis, and easing menstrual cramps.
Research has also shown that liquorice stimulates the adrenal glands, increases cortisol levels and mitigates problems with
low blood pressure.
Beauticians often used licorice root in steam facials as it helps open the pores, soothes, cleanses,
and lubricates the skin.
Licorice root contains a unique substance called glycyrrhizin which is 50 times sweeter than
refined sugar but has no calories. Nowadays most of the licorice sweets and candies are flavored with anise oil to give the
licorice flavor and not licorice at all. Most of the liquorice is used in cough drops, in the brewing industry and to flavor
tobacco. Smokers should note that in cigarettes it is used to open up the lungs so it makes smoking easier but also allows
for more absorption of dangerous chemicals and it is also used to blind the taste of low quality tobacco. Genuine organic
liquorice candies can still be found in health shops and the bigger supermarkets.
Warnings: Do not take liquorice root
tinctures, powder, capsules etc without first talking to your health provider if you have heart disease, high blood pressure,
or diabetes. Not recommended if pregnant or breast feeding. As with all herbal preparations always stick to the given dosage.
Glycyrrhizin in liquorice is associated with side effects such as increased blood pressure and water retention so de-glycyrrhizinated
liquorice (DGL) is the safer form if using as a medication.
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