Licorice Root (20% Glycyrrhizic Acid)

History and Uses:
Licorice Root is a perennial herb that is 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 contains many health benefits. Ancient cultures on every continent have used Licorice Root, included recorded use by the Egyptians in the third century B. C. The Egyptians and the Greeks also recognized the herb's benefits in treating coughs and lung disease, and it was so highly valued in ancient Egypt that even King Tutankhamen was buried with a supply. Licorice is the second most prescribed herb in China, where it is suggested for treatment of the spleen, liver and kidney, and the Japanese use a Licorice preparation to treat hepatitis (these applications should always be undertaken under the auspices of a knowledgeable health care provider). At one time in Germany, Licorice was a more popular gift to give than chocolate, as it was reputed to sexually arouse women. The most common medical use for Licorice Root is for treating upper respiratory ailments including coughs, hoarseness, sore throat and bronchitis. The main constituent found in the root is glycyrrhizin, and the plant also contains various sugars (up to 14%), starches (30%), flavonoids, saponoids, sterols, amino acids, gums and essential oil. Glycyrrhizin is said to stimulate the secretion of the adrenal cortex hormone "aldosterone." This herb is thought to be as effective as codeine, and possibly safer, when used as a cough suppressant. Rhizomes in Licorice have a high mucilage content which, when mixed with water or used in cough drops, sooths irritated mucous membranes. The use of Licorice also has an expectorant effect which increases the secretion of the bronchial glands. Today, herbal preparations containing 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 a carminitive for flatulence. It has also been thought to relieve rheumatism and arthritis, regulate low blood sugar, and may be effective for Addison's disease (under the doctor's care). The Root extract produces mild estrogenic effects and it has proven useful in treating symptoms of menopause, regulating menstruation and relieving menstrual cramps. The constituent, glycyrrhizin, is fifty times sweeter than sugar, making Licorice 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 is also widely used in other medicines to mask bitter tastes and also to prevent pills from sticking together. Licorice has also been used in poultices for treatment of dermatitis and skin infections. It helps to open the pores and is used in combination with other cleansing and healing herbs as an emollient. Ninety percent of the Licorice imported into America is used to flavor tobacco, and other uses of Licorice include cattle and horse feed.