More commonly known as licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra is a purple and white flowering perennial, native to areas in the Mediterranean as well as central and southwest Asia.

Licorice's nutrient content includes calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc and vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃ and C.

Licorice’s many medicinal properties make it a recommendation among many for the treatment of a variety of conditions including:

Allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, depression, emphysema, enlarged prostate, fever, herpes virus, hypoglycemia, glandular functions, inflammatory bowel disorders, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms and upper respiratory infections.

Licorice is an expectorant, making it helpful in the treatment of upper respiratory tract problems. The root extract is demulcent - meaning it’s very smooth - making it a prime component found in many medicinal syrups and drops designed to provide relief for sore throats and for coughs.

Within the root is a substance 50 times as sweet as sucrose called glycoside glycyrrhizin. When ingested glycyrrhizin turns into glycyrrhizic acid, which has been touted as the property of the licorice that has the most pharmacological action. In fact, glycyrrhizin may even inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Licorice can also be used as a mild laxative to cleanse the colon. The herb is also a liver tonic and can be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Within licorice are other medicinal substances like flavonoids and isoflavonoids, coumarins, and sterols.

Production of interferon - which combats viral infections by preventing virus multiplication in cells - has also been shown to be stimulated with licorice.

Peptic ulcers may also be treated with licorice as the soothing action of the root extract coats and soothes the tissue affected by ulcers.

Licorice has also been shown to increase bile flow and lower blood cholesterol levels. In fact, a team of researchers in Israel conducted a study which indicated that blood cholesterol levels and the rate of oxidation in cardiovascular tissue were lowered with licorice root extract added to the diet.

The estrogenic properties in licorice, which act to help normalize and regulate hormone production during menopause make it a recommendation among many herbalists for women.

Licorice root is harvested in late autumn, washed & dried & then stored for future use. You can find licorice root in capsule form at your local health food store. Licorice-flavored candy won't be effective for medicinal uses as it's mostly made with anise, not licorice.

* Important note: Licorice should not be used during pregnancy. People who have diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, severe menstrual problems or a history of stroke should also avoid the use of this herb.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using Licorice or any alternative therapies. The recommended doses are for those over age 18 unless otherwise stated. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.