Licorice: A Treat for Good Health

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 in Nature

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 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.

Licorice for Health

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.

Since ancient times, the plant has been commonly used in connection with the treatment for coughs, sore throats, and as a flavoring. As a matter of fact, it got its name from the Greek word for "sweet root."

Recent studies have indicated that licorice contains compounds known as flavonoids and glycyrrhizin. According to some studies, glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory properties and may have inhibiting actions that can hinder the breakdown of cortisol, which is an important substance produced by the body.

Although it has yet to be proven to work in humans, licorice may also have anti-viral properties. The flavonoids found in this herb are powerful antioxidants that work to protect several organs of the body, most importantly the liver. Chalcones, which are closely related to flavonoids may also help treat digestive tract cells. Preliminary studies on the results of licorice have shown that the flavonoids can kill the ulcer-causing bacteria, Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria are responsible for most stomach inflammations as well.

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.

How to Buy Licorice

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 can be purchased in tablets or in capsule form. If you need to treat canker sores, you can also find de-glycyrrhizinated licorice in powder form.

Article Source: http://articles411.com

Joelle Applebe enjoys writing for a variety of web magazines, on health diet fitness and alternative health themes.
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