Herbal Information Center - Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
From:
http://www.kcweb.com/herb/herbmain.htm
Licorice is a perennial herb native to southern Europe, Asia
and the Mediterranean. It is extensively cultivated in Russia,
Spain, Iran and India. It 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 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 (to 14%), starches (30%),
flavonoids, saponoids, sterols, amino acids, gums, and
essential oil. Glycyrrhizin, stimulates the secretion of
the adrenal cortex hormone aldosterone. 
It 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, it is a common component of many herbal teas as mild
laxative, a diuretic, and for flatulence. It has also been
known to relieve rheumatism and arthritis, regulate low
blood sugar, and is effective for Addison's disease. The
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 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. It 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. 
Part Used:
Root in the making of powder, teas and tonics, extracts,
tinctures and decoctions.
Common Use:
It is an ingredient in many cough medicines and a popular
and well-known remedy for bronchial distress. Can have a
beneficial effect on gastric disturbances. 
Care:
Licorice grows best in a dry and warm climate. Prefers sandy,
rich soil and full sun.
Toxicity:
May cause side effects in healthy people. May cause
headaches, elevated blood pressure, hypertension, lethargy,
edema, or shortness of breath.
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