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Licorice: A Treat for Good Health

By: Joelle Applebe

Most of us know licorice as a tasty treat. But true licorice, officially known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is actually a European plant belonging to the pulse family called Leguminosae. When pounded or pressed, the root of the licorice plant manufactures the sweet substance it's famous for. Since ancient times, licorice root has been revered for its medicinal purposes. The root has been used as a laxative and trusted as a cure for coughs. Of course, licorice is also brewed for candy and for flavoring tobacco and other substances.

The Licorice Plant

The licorice plant is perennial, with blue, pea-shaped blossoms. True licorice is cultivated primarily in the Middle East, however there is a subspecies known as glycyrrhiza lepidota, or "wild licorice" that is native to North America. Most types of licorice are found in Persia, Southeast Europe and several Asiatic regions, and there are currently fourteen known varieties.

The licorice plant has long graceful stems and pinnate leaves that spread slightly. From a distance, the licorice plants display an almost feathery appearance because of their tiny leaflets resembling the False Acacia. When night falls, the leaves hang down on either side of the midrib. Flowers are small, growing from the axils of the leaves. Licorice flowers are usually purplish in color but may occasionally be pale blue, violet, or yellowish-white. When fully mature, small pods resembling peapods are formed.

Health Advantages

Licorice has enjoyed an extensive history in the annals of herbal medicine and folk healing. Legends of the use of licorice are long and varied. In Ancient China, licorice was considered to be one of the most important herbs in traditional medicine. Used primarily as a demulcent for its soothing and coating effects in the digestive and urinary tracts, Chinese folk healers also used licorice to cure an array of conditions and diseases including tuberculosis and diabetes.

More recently, the licorice plant has mostly been used to treat coughs and sore throats. Of course, licorice is also favored as a flavoring. "Licorice" is a word derived from the Greek word meaning "sweet root".

More up-to-date studies have shown that licorice contains compounds, called glycyrrhizin and flavonoids. Glyccyrrhizin, according to some studies, has anti-inflammatory properties and may have inhibiting actions that hinder the breakdown of cortisol, an important substance produced by the body.

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.

Liquiritin, an extract made from licorice, has been used as a treatment for melasma, a pigmentation disorder of the skin. According to a study conducted by medical researchers, 70 percent improvement is observed on melasma patients after a twice daily topical application of liquiritin cream for a duration of four weeks.

Purchasing Information

If you're looking for licorice at the health food store, there are two main types on the shelves. "Standard" glycyrrhizin is the type of licorice used to treat chronic fatigue, respiratory conditions and herpes. De-glycyrrhizinated licorice is taken to relieve ulcers and other digestive concerns.

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

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Contributor Joelle Applebe contributes to several Internet sites, on natural products and natural health products subjects.
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