Licorice Root has been used by the Chinese
for over 5,000 years. It is used to treat coughs, sore throats, malaria,
food poisoning, respiratory problems, liver and uterine complaints, fevers,
inflammation, hoarseness, stomach problems, and bladder and kidney ailments.
While commonly thought of as a popular candy, the herb Licorice is derived
from the from the roots and stems of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, and
is never used in candies. Licorice is one of the mainstays of traditional
Chinese medicine, and has also been used for over 3,000 years as a tonic
to rejuvenate the heart and spleen, and as a treatment for ulcers, cold
symptoms, and
skin disorders.
Modern herbalists
commonly utilize licorice in treating adrenal insufficiencies such as hypoglycemia
and Addison's disease, counteracting stress, and in purifying the liver
and bloodstream. In combination with other herbs, it is recommended as
a demulcent to soothe mucous membranes, and as an expectorant useful in
treating flu, colds, respiratory disorders and bronchitis.
Licorice Root
is a time-honored remedy for arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties;
it stimulates the production of two natural steroids: cortisone and aldosterone.
It also acts as a demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, and laxative. Licorice
also stimulates the production of bile by the liver and can relieve stomach
aches and ulcers. We also know that this herb can also lower cholesterol.
The National
Cancer Institute is investigating compounds derived from Licorice Root
for their capability to inhibit growth of cancerous cells and prevent tooth
decay.
Medical researchers
have isolated several active substances in licorice root including glycosides,
flavonoids, asparagine, isoflavonoids, chalcones and coumarins. Primary
of these is Glycyrrhetinic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that
led to the successful development of drugs used in the treatment of duodenal
and gastric ulcers, as well as ulcers of the mouth and genitals.
Another licorice
compound, glycyrrhizin, has been shown to possess anti-viral properties
effective against the polio virus, herpes zoster, herpes simplex, and the
HIV virus. Both compounds have also been found to inhibit cancer cells
in vitro, though clinical studies on humans have not been conducted.
Other derivatives
of licorice have elicited a host of active ingredients that seem to act
as anti-depressants and, if that weren't enough, inhibit the enzymes that
cause tooth decay. All in all licorice is a very impressive herb that is
well supported by medical research and clinical data.
Persons with
a history of congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disorders
should not use licorice compounds. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult
your health care professional before using this product. People with a
history of renal failure or those currently using cardiac glycosides may
wish to avoid use of Licorice as a precautionary measure.
It contains Vitamins
E, B-complex, phosphorous, biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, lecithin,
manganese, iodine, chromium, and zinc.
