Licorice, also known as sweet root, is a plant of the legume family. It originates from southern Europe and Asia, but now cultivated in India, Iran, Spain, Russia. The Egyptians used it as a cure for any disease, and the Greeks – cough and lung diseases.
Licorice contains amino acids, asparagine, essential oils, estrogen, flavonoids, glycosides, glycyrrhizin, sterols, tannins. The plant has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, diuretic, expectorant, laxative weak.
In order to use the healing roots and root for the preparation of teas, tonics, extracts, tinctures, powders.
Licorice is used in various diseases and conditions:
- cardiovascular system – heart problems;
- female condition – menopause, regulates menstruation, relieve menstrual cramps;
- digestive system – catarrh of the intestines, gas, bloating, gastritis, peptic ulcers, heartburn, laxative in children reduces the acid levels in the stomach, gastric and intestinal ulcers;
- excretory system – Addison’s disease (chronic adrenal insufficiency), urinary tract catarrh, dropsy, diseases of the bladder and kidneys;
- endocrine system – problems with your adrenal glands regulate and stimulate the production of hormones that regulate low blood sugar stimulates the adrenal glands;
- inflammatory – relieves arthritis and allergies (acts like cortisone, but without the side effects), rheumatism, soothes inflamed mucous membranes;
- liver problems – hepatitis, lowers cholesterol, stimulates the secretion of bile;
- respiratory system – bronchitis, pulmonary symptoms and infections, cough, hoarseness, laryngitis, pulmonary congestion, sore throat, wheezing;
- other – a tonic for the whole body, neutralizes some toxins, lowers fever, treatment of spleen.
Licorice is generally used in combination with other herbs, and is a common component of many herbal products. Externally, it is used in dermatitis, skin infections. Glycyrrhizin contained in licorice is 50 times more intense sweetener than sugar. For this reason it is used in confectionery, liqueurs, ice cream.
Long-term use of licorice can cause high blood pressure, edema, headache, lethargy, rapid breathing. Licorice is not recommended for pregnant women.