| Licorice is a perennial
herb native to southern Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean. The herb is
extensively cultivated in Russia, Spain, Iran and India. Licorice is one of the
most popular and widely consumed herbs in the world. Although many know this
herb for its flavoring in candy, licorice contains many health benefits.
Ancient cultures on every continent have used licorice, the first recorded
use by the Egyptians in the 3rd century BC. The Egyptians and the Greeks
recognized the licorice herb's benefits in treating coughs and lung disease.
Licorice is the second most prescribed herb in China followed by ginseng, it is
suggested for treatment of the spleen, liver and kidney. The Japanese use a
licorice preparation to treat hepatitis.
The most common medical use for licorice is for treating upper
respiratory ailments including coughs, hoarseness, sore throat, and bronchitis.
The main constituent found in the root is glycyrrhizin. The plant also contains
various sugars (14%), starches (30%), flavonoids, saponoids, sterols, amino
acids, gums, and essential oil. Glycyrrhizin, stimulates the secretion of
the adrenal cortex hormone aldosterone.
Licorice can be as effective as codeine, and safer, when used as a cough
suppressant. Rhizomes in licorice have a high mucilage content which, when
mixed with water or used in cough drops, sooths irritated mucous membranes.
The drug also has an expectorant effect which increases the secretion of the
bronchial glands. Licorice is an effective remedy for throat irritations,
lung congestion, and bronchitis.
Homeopathic use of licorice for gastric irritation dates back to the first
century. Today, herbal preparations are used to treat stomach and
intestinal ulcers, lower acid levels and coat the stomach wall with a protective
gel. Rarely used alone, licorice is a common component of many herbal teas as
mild laxative, a diuretic, and for flatulence. Licorice has also been known to
relieve rheumatism and arthritis, regulate low blood sugar, and is
effective for Addison's disease. The licorice root extract produces mild
estrogenic effects, and it has proven useful in treating symptoms of menopause,
regulating menstruation, and relieving menstrual cramps.
The main ingredient in licorice glycyrrhizin has also been studied for
it's anti-viral properties in the treatment of AIDS. In clinical trials in
Japan it prevented progression of the HIV virus by inhibiting cell infection and
inducing interferon activity. Glycyrrhizin also encourages the production of
hormones such as hydrocortisone which give it anti-inflammatory properties. Like
cortisone it can relieve arthritic and allergy symptoms, without the side
effects.
The constituent glycyrrhizin is 50 times sweeter than sugar, making it a widely
used ingredient in the food industry. The distinctive flavor of licorice makes
it a popular additive to baked confections, liqueurs, ice cream and candies.
Licorice is also widely used in other medicines to mask bitter tastes and also
to prevent pills from sticking together.
Licorice has also been used in poultices for treatment of dermatitis and skin
infections. It helps to open the pores and is used in combination with other
cleansing and healing herbs as an emollient.
Common Use: Licorice is an ingredient in many cough medicines and a popular and
well known remedy for bronchial distress. Licorice can have a beneficial effect
on gastric disturbances.
Licorice is effective against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome , CFS.
Other Licorice Information:
Title: "Phytochemicals: Guardians of our
Health."
Medical Journal: Journal of the American Dietetic Association
1997 Oct;97(10 Suppl 2):S199-S204
Author: Craig WJ
Abstract: Consuming a diet rich in plant foods will provide a milieu of
phytochemicals, nonnutritive substances in plants that possess health-protective
benefits. Nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables contain an abundance of
phenolic compounds, terpenoids, pigments, and other natural antioxidants
that
have been associated with protection from and/or treatment of chronic disease
such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension as well as other
medical conditions. The foods and herbs with the
highest anticancer activity include garlic, soybeans, cabbage, ginger, licorice,
and the umbelliferous vegetables.
The sugar of Licorice may safely be taken by diabetic patients.
Licorice is also known as:
Liquorice, Licorice root, Sweet wood, Glycyrrhiza glabra
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