The Lowdown on Licorice

Licorice, officially known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a European plant belonging to the pulse family, Leguminosae. The root of the licorice plant when pounded or pressed manufactures a sweet substance for which it was widely known. Since ancient time, the licorice root has been used for medicinal purposes. It was used as a laxative and as a cure for coughs. It was also brewed for candy and for flavoring, like in some tobacco.

Licorice Plant

Licorice is a lovely perennial plant with pea-shaped, blue blossoms. While true licorice is primarily cultivated in the Middle East, a subspecies known as Glycyrrhiza lepidota or "wild licorice" is native to North America. There are currently fourteen known varieties of the licorice plant. Most types are found in Persia, Southeast Europe and several Asiatic regions.

The licorice plant has long graceful stems and lightly spreading, pinnate leaves. From a distance, they display an almost feathery appearance because of their tiny leaflets which resemble those of the False Acacia. At night, the leaves hang down on each side of the midrib. The flowers are little, growing from the axils of the leaves. Licorice flowers are purplish in color and occasionally pale-blue, violet, or yellowish-white. At the peak of maturity, small pods are formed which somewhat resemble a partly grown peapod.

Licorice for Health

The licorice plant has an extensive history in herbal medicine and folk healing. The legend of its uses is long and varied. In Ancient China, licorice was thought as one of the most important herbs in traditional medicine. It is used primarily as a demulcent for its soothing and coating effects in the digestive and urinary tracts. Additionally, Chinese folk healers used it to cure a whole array of conditions, including diabetes and tuberculosis.

In modern times, the licorice plant has been primarily used in connection with the treatment for coughs, sore throats and, of course, as flavoring. The word "licorice" is actually derived from the Greek word for "sweet root."

According to recent studies, licorice contains compounds known as flavonoids and glycyrrhizin. Some studies suggest that glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory properties, and may provide actions that can inhibit or hinder the breakdown of cortisol, one of the body's important substances.

While it has not yet been proven to work with humans, licorice may also hold important anti-viral properties. The flavonoids found in this herb can act as powerful antioxidants that protect the liver and several other important organs. Closely related to flavonoids, chalcones are other components of licorice that may help treat digestive tract cells. Preliminary studies on the results of licorice have indicated that flavonoids can destroy ulcer-causing bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for many common stomach inflammations.

A licorice extract called liquiritin has been used as a treatment for a pigmentation disorder of the skin known as melasma. A study conducted by medical researchers indicated that a 70 percent improvement rate has been observed on melasma patients after a twice daily topical application of liquiritin cream over a four-week period.

Purchasing Information

When buying licorice for health benefits, remember that there are two types available on the market. "Standard" licorice glycyrrhizin and is used to treat respiratory infections, herpes and chronic fatigue syndrome. The other type, called "de-glycyrrhizinated" licorice, is used to relieve ulcers and other conditions in the digestive tract.

Licorice is sold in capsules or in tablets. For canker sores, de-gycyrrhizinated licorice in powdered form is suggested.

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