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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 is believed to contains many health benefits. Ancient cultures on every continent have used licorice, with 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 dealing with the spleen, liver and kidney. The Japanese use a licorice preparation to control hepatitis.

The most common medical use for licorice is for supporting upper respiratory track health.

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 is effective as a cough suppressant. Licorice rhizomes have a high mucilage content which, when mixed with water or used in cough drops, soothe mucous membranes. Licorice apparently also has an expectorant effect which increases the secretion of the bronchial glands. Licorice is thought to be an effective to soothe throat, lung, and bronchial membranes.

Homeopathic use of licorice for gastric irritation dates back to the first century. Today, herbal preparations are used to support the digestive system. 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 soothe joints and support normal blood sugar. The licorice root extract produces mild estrogenic effects, and it has proven useful in supporting stress of menopause and menstruation.

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 medicines to mask bitter tastes and also to prevent pills from sticking together.

Licorice has also been used in poultices for control 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 digestive processes.

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, non-nutritive 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.

The statements on this web page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Symmetry products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed health practitioner.