The Licorice Root

The Licorice Plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
(Click on image to enlarge)
Attribution:
National Medicinal Plants Board
Department of AYUSH
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Government of India

Botanical Name of Licorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Other Common Names:
Sweetwood, Sweetroot, Black Sugar, Liquorice, French-regliss, German-Lakritze, Italian-liquirizia, Spanish-regaliz, Indian-mulethi, European Licorice

Habitat:
The licorice root is native to Southeastern Europe and cultivated in most of Europe. It prefers the open, dry areas with rich soil. It was first harvested from the wild, until it was cultivated one thousand years ago.

Plant Description:
The licorice plant is erect, standing about 1.5 meters tall with spikes bearing lilac-colored flowers with bean-like pods containing three or four seeds. The main root (taproot) descends up to a meter into the ground and sends out a network of rhizomes. These roots and rhizomes are harvested after three to five years. The rhizomes have a woody appearance with a brown skin and yellow, fibrous interior.

Plant Parts Used:
The main taproot and the rhizomes are used in medicinal and flavoring applications.

Licorice Root Supplements

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by Alternative Health & Herbs

Licorice Root - 100 caps
by Nature's Way

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of The Licorice Root

The licorice root is used in flavoring for its sweetness. The flavor often associated with licorice is actually anise. Licorice is added as a sweetener.
The root was often given in ancient Rome as a herbal treatment for asthma, dry cough and other diseases of the lungs.
Licorice shows promise as an herbal remedy for bronchitis and whooping cough because of it´s expectorant (used to loosen and expel congestion in the upper airway.) abilities. It may also stimulate mucous production and secretion in the trachea.

The Medicinal Plant Licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra )

This herb has been shown to be soothing to irritated membranes and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
The licorice root has also been used as antacid.
Gastric ulcers are another target of this herb. Some countries have even experimented with licorice-coated aspirin to help reduce ulcers caused by aspirin use.
The licorice root also helps promote adrenal function, supports lung health, and cleanses the colon.
This herb has also been used as a herbal remedy for sore throat because of it´s soothing qualities.
Licorice may help combat some viruses such as hepatitis B, influenza, and HIV by naturally boosting the immune system and stimulating the production of interferon.
It has also been shown to relieve rheumatism, arthritis and low blood sugar. In addition it is used as a medicinal herb for hypothyroidism, menstrual cramps and regulating menstruation.
Licorice has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which explains its uses as an herbal remedy for athlete's foot, canker sores and dandruff.

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Dosage and Administration

Licorice may come in an extract format or in root form. The extract can come in teas, capsules, tablets, and in combination with other herbal remedies. Recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of the root in a tea or other form daily.

Potential Side Effects of The Licorice Root

The side effects associated with licorice use include water retention, stomach pain, headache, shortness of breath and joint stiffness. Hypertension (high blood pressure) has also been associated with long term use of licorice at higher doses. The side effects do seem to be dose dependent, with smaller doses having less, or no, side effects. Licorice should not be used in conjunction with diuretics or digitalis glycoside heart medications. Due to the tendency to raise blood pressure and blood glucose levels, this herb should not be used by those with diabetes or hypertension. Persons with cirrhosis of the liver or impaired liver function should also avoid this herb.

Leave a Comment on Licorice

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Name: Galal Abdul Rashid
E-mail: galalmail@ymail.com
Date posted: September 18, 2009 - 07:49 am
Message: Preparation of licorice herb at home:
1-one cup of licorice
2-half spoon of sod.carbonate
3-wet all together with water and mix it well
4-leave it under sun rays for 2 hrs.
5-put the whole quantity in a piece of material (high porus)
6-Imerse it in one liter water and leave it for 3hrs.
7-take the filterate and drink it with ice or leave it cool
8-enjoy this drink