Licorice herb facts

Information on Licorice

Licorice can be used as candies but it can also servenumerous different types of medicinal purposes. Licorice is actually a very small,deciduous type of plant. It originates from the Middle East, central Asia andsouthern parts of Europe. It grows in the wild and its roots can be up to one meterin length. The roots appear woody and they are characterized by a brown color.Licorice is botanically referred to as glycyrrhiza glabra. The name is takenfrom two Greek words.

Glyks means sweet and rhiza means root so it is prettymuch self explanatory. Licorice root is an important part of the confectionaryas it is a very powerful sweetener, up to 50 times sweeter than the tablesugar. Scythians introduced the licorice root to the Greeks in the ancienttimes so it has been used for numerous centuries. The ancient Indians and theancient Chinese have also used it for numerous purposes. Nowadays it can bepurchased in various different forms such as herbal tea, capsules and tincturesbut it is also an important ingredient of certain types of medicaments anddrugs.

Licorice Herb Health Benefits

Licorice can be used for numerous medicinal purposes and itis also present in various types of drugs as an active ingredient. It is veryefficient in boosting the strength of the immune system and preventing commoncold, influenza, fever and sore throat. Licorice is known for its potentantioxidant and anti inflammatory properties so it can be of great help for allthose who suffer from bronchitis, asthma and numerous different types of viral infectionsand respiratory disorders.

It has very powerful soothing and calming propertiesso it can be beneficial for all those who suffer from gastric ulcers, stress,upset stomach, chronic fatigue and dysfunctional digestive system. Licoricecontains coumarin derivatives and flavanoids which provide the human body withremarkable antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. It is highly recommendedfor all those who suffer from diabetes as it is very efficient in regulatingthe levels of sugar in the blood.

Licorice can also be used for the preventionand treatment of certain medical conditions such as psoriasis, infertility,eczema, yeast infections, menstrual cramps, depression and fatigue. It is alsovery efficient in decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood andincreasing the levels of good cholesterol in the blood.

Licorice Root Side Effects

Licorice root may sometimes lead to edema. Pregnant women,breastfeeding women and those who suffer from arterial hypertension and kidneyproblems should avoid the licorice root.