When you hear the word 'licorice,' you may think of the black or red candy in long sticks or bite-sized pieces. The candy by that name actually contains little or no licorice. Instead, the real value of the plant is in the root itself. The name licorice comes from a Greek word meaning 'sweet root.' The scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra, Liquiritia officinalis. It is also called Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Kan-ts'ao, Kuo-lao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood, and Yasti Madhu, to name a few. Used in proper doses in moderation, licorice is one of the most powerful members of the herbal family.
The plant from which licorice is obtained is mainly found in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The dried plants can grow to over four feet, bearing bluish purple and white flowers that resemble the blooms of the sweet pea. To extract the ingredients, the licorice roots are cleaned, ground, and then boiled. The very strong tasting extract, once curdled, is then dried again. This substance is given natural flavors, dissolved in water, and formed in moulds.
Licorice has a long rich history. In ancient Greece and Rome, licorice was employed as a tonic and also as a remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats. Licorice has been discovered in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamen. The ancient Hindus believed it increased sexual vigor when prepared as a beverage with milk and sugar. As much as 3000 year ago the Chinese maintained that eating the root would give them strength and endurance and they prepared a special tea of it for use as a medicine. In North American folk medicine, licorice was used as a cough suppressant, expectorant, laxative, and treatment for various cancers. Native Americans used it to alleviate pain in difficult childbirth. Early pharmacists used it as a flavoring and sweetening agent in many of their syrups and lozenges. Today, licorice extracts are popular sweeteners in confections for diabetics and those suffering from hypoglycemia. Recently a sample of historic licorice from 756 A.D. was analyzed and found to retain its active ingredients. In Pontefract, Great Britain, they still celebrate a licorice harvest festival.
Generally, licorice is an immune system stimulant that is antibacterial. It not only has value in itself, but it causes other herbs to reach their full potential as well. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Glycyrrhizinic acid is more than just a sweetener though. It also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A. It is especially useful for any mucous membrane infection, cancer, radiation treatment, general fatigue, or immune suppression.
Presently, licorice extracts are used extensively as ingredients in cough drops and syrups, tonics, laxatives, antismoking lozenges, and other preparations. They are also used as flavoring agents to mask bitter, nauseous, or other undesirable tastes in certain medicines. Therefore, it is a useful addition to many children's formulas.
Licorice is best known to some for its estrogenic effects, which make is a useful herb for menopause. Its antiulcer activity make it an herb of choice for both stomach and duodenal ulceration. Because it stimulates expectoration and is powerfully healing for mucous membrane systems, it has a long history of use for upper respiratory infections. Licorice is used in treating many ailments including arthritis, asthma, athlete's foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, and yeast infections.
Besides glycyrrhizin, hundreds of other potentially healing substances have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). Along this line, it is used to stimulate and regulate the adrenal glands and the pancreas. These work together because adrenalin helps control insulin. It acts as a natural cortisone or as a hormone that takes the place of cortisone. It helps injured voice muscles and helps voice improvement, either for hoarseness or throat damage. Licorice is a tonic for the intestinal tract. It acts as a mild laxative, and strengthens the heart and circulatory system.
Licorice makes an excellent tea and can be used as a tincture as well. Of course, it can be used in many other forms. For instance, it can easily be ground up, and used in capsules. It can also make other treatments more palatable. You can also add it to dishes in small amounts so as to add nutritional value to the dish without changing the flavor.
Because licorice is such a powerful herb, a few warnings are in order. The best way to use licorice is in combination with other herbs. Licorice can cause water retention and raised blood pressure, especially with prolonged use. It also can cause an unwanted mild adrenal stimulation. Avoid using larger amounts of licorice internally during pregnancy or nursing. Licorice interacts with many prescription drugs. For this reason, if you are on other medication, consult your doctor before taking licorice.
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