Licorice Can Be Used As A Remedy For Peptic Ulcer

Other Common Names: Cultivated Licorice, Gan Cao, Iriqsus, Kan T'Sao, Kan Ts'Ao, Liquirita, Liquorice, Madhuka, Meyankoku, Mi Ts'Ao, Regaliz, Russian Liquorice, Sus Maikik, Sweetwood, True Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra

Range: Europe - Mediterranean, natives of South-east Europe and South-west Asia.

Habitat: Dry open places, especially in sandy places near the sea.

The Licorice of medicine and commerce is derived from the sweet root of various species of Glycyrrhiza, a genus which contains about fourteen species, natives of warmer temperate countries in both the New and Old Worlds, ten of them having roots more or less sweet, but most of them not sufficiently so to be of use.

Dioscorides, who names the plant Glyrrhiza (Greek glukos, sweet, and riza, a root), from his description of the plant possibly had in view G. echinata, as well as G. glabra.

The plant is often found under the name Liquiritia officinalis. The Latin name Liquiritia, whence is derived the English name Liquorice (Lycorys in the thirteenth century), is a corruption of Glycyrrhiza, as shown in the transitional form Gliquiricia. The Italian Regolizia, the German Lacrisse or Lakriz, the Welsh Lacris and the French Reglisse have the same origin.

Licorice has a long and honorable history in the service of mankind. The earliest usage of Licorice was back in the first syllables of recorded time. Licorice freaks throughout history have included Pharoahs and Prophets. Generous supplies were discovered in KingTut's tomb, while Egyptian hieroglyphics record the use of Licorice in a popular beverage by men in the days when the Bible was still being written!

Alexander the Great, the Scythian armies, Roman Emporer Ceaser, and even India's great prophet, Brahma, are on record endorsing the beneficial properties contained in Licorice. Warriors used it for its ability to quench thirst while on the march, while others (including Brahma and venerable Chinese Buddhist sages), recognized Licorice's valuable healing properties.

Natural licorice can be effective medicine. For over 3000 years, licorice root has been used as a remedy for peptic ulcers, sore throats and coughs in eastern and western medicine. Licorice root has been used since the third century BC to help dissipate coughs. Licorice is the most widely used "drug" in the world due to its volume of consumption in China.

Licorice is official in all pharmacopoeias, which differ as to the variety or varieties recognized, as to the botanical name employed and as to the drug being peeled or unpeeled, dried Licorice root being supplied in commerce either with or without the thin brown coat. In the latter state it is known as peeled or decorticated.

Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbs in Western herbal medicine and has a very long history of use, both as a medicine and also as a flavoring to disguise the unpleasant flavor of other medications. It is a very sweet, moist, soothing herb that detoxifies and protects the liver and is also powerfully anti-inflammatory, being used in conditions as varied as arthritis and mouth ulcers.

The root is alterative, antispasmodic, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, moderately pectoral and tonic. The root has also been shown to have a hormonal effect similar to the ovarian hormone. Liquorice root is much used in cough medicines and also in the treatment of catarrhal infections of the urinary tract. It is taken internally in the treatment of Addison's disease, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, peptic ulcer, arthritis, allergic complaints and following steroidal therapy. It should be used in moderation and should not be prescribed for pregnant women or people with high blood pressure, kidney disease or taking digoxin-based medication. Prolonged usage raises the blood pressure and causes water retention. (See also the notes on toxicity).

Externally, the root is used in the treatment of herpes, eczema and shingles. The root is harvested in the autumn when 3 - 4 years old and is dried for later use.

Root - raw or used as a flavoring. The source of licorice powder that is extracted and used in sweets (candies), baked goods, ice cream, soft drinks etc, it is also used medicinally. A sweet and delicious flavor, but the root is very fibrous. The root contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sucrose. The dried root is often used for chewing, it is excellent for teething children and also as a tooth cleaner.

A tea made from the roots is an excellent thirst quencher. The powdered root is also used as a sweetener in other herb teas. The leaves are used as a tea substitute in Mongolia.

Extracts from the root are used as a foaming agent in beers and fire extinquishers.

Known Hazards: A gross overdose of the root can cause oedema, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

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