Licorice root is the root of a perennial herb native to southern Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. It is extensively cultivated in Russia, Spain, Iran, and India, and is one of the most popular and widely consumed herbs in the world. Although many know this herb for its flavoring in candy, licorice root also offers many health benefits. Ancient cultures on every continent have used licorice root; the first recorded use was 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 root is the second most-prescribed herb in China, where is is recommended for treatment of the spleen, liver and kidneys. The Japanese use a licorice root preparation to treat hepatitis. The most common medical use for licorice root is for treating upper respiratory ailments including coughs, hoarseness, sore throat, and bronchitis. Some users find it can be as effective a cough suppressant as codeine, and safer. Rhizomes (underground roots) in licorice plants have a high mucilage content which, when mixed with water or used in cough drops, may soothe irritated mucous membranes. The drug also has an expectorant effect that increases secretions of the bronchial glands. Homeopathic use of licorice for gastric irritation dates back to the first century.
Today, herbal preparations including licorice root 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 a mild laxative, a diuretic, and for flatulence. Licorice also has been used to relieve rheumatism and arthritis, regulate low blood sugar, and treat Addison's disease. The root extract has a mild estrogenic effect, leading to its use in treating symptoms of menopause, regulating menstruation, and relieving menstrual cramps. The main active medicinal ingredient in licorice, glycyrrhizin, has been studied for it's anti-viral properties in the treatment of AIDS. In clinical trials in Japan, glycyrrhizin was shown to prevent progression of the HIV virus by inhibiting cell infection and inducing interferon activity. Glycyrrhizin also encourages the production of hormones such as hydrocortisone, which gives the herb anti-inflammatory properties. Like cortisone, it can relieve arthritic and allergy symptoms, without the side-effects. Glycyrrhizin is 50 times sweeter than sugar, making it a widely used ingredient in the food industry.
The distinctive flavor of licorice root makes it a popular additive to baked confections, liqueurs, ice cream, and candies. It also is widely used as a flavoring agent for other medicines, to mask bitter tastes and also to prevent pills from sticking together. Licorice has also been used in poultices for the treatment of dermatitis and skin infections, and to open skin pores. It is sometimes used in combination with other cleansing and healing herbs as an emollient.
