beyond candy flavoring—the medicinal uses of licorice
When you think of licorice, you probably think of the strongly flavored
gummy candy that’s popular all over the world. However, licorice is more
than a candy—it’s an important herb in medicine. It’s long been used to
treat problem such as sore throats and coughs. But its uses go far beyond
that.
Licorice root is the part of the herb that’s used for medicinal purposes. It
grows in Europe and Asia natively, but today it can be found in Australia
and North and South America.
It’s still used for cold symptoms such as coughs and sore throats, but it’s
also used for more serious issues such as asthma. It can also be used to
treat inflammation of the mucous membranes of any part of the body.
In addition, licorice is a powerful aid in fighting stomach problems. The
root can help to alleviate a stomachache and it can also fight more serious
stomach problems such as ulcers. When you’re suffering from constipation,
licorice root can work as a mild laxative to help your system get moving
again. If you have problems with your urinary tract, licorice can also be an
effective treatment.
In particular, Addison’s disease can be treated with licorice root. This is
a rare disorder of the endocrine system. Licorice can also be effective for
skin conditions such as herpes, insect bites, and even sunburn.
Licorice is full of chemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties. It
also has some antiviral properties and current research is looking at how
licorice can be used to treat viral infections such as herpes, hepatitis,
and even HIV.
Licorice root can be used in several forms. It can be found in liquid
extracts, decoctions, and it can also be used in powdered form. You may also
purchase licorice root in squares or sticks that can be used. Finally,
licorice can be found as an ingredient in teas.
The flavor of licorice is sweet and very distinctive. Many people enjoy its
flavor and find that it’s one herbal medicine that’s not hard to swallow. As
a remedy, licorice is very strong and useful. It’s so effective that many
people would rather use licorice for a cough than codeine. It’s also as
effective as antacid tablets when it comes to heartburn.
You shouldn’t take licorice for too long because it can lead to high blood
pressure and water retention. Just make sure that you consult your
healthcare provider before using licorice for a long period of time.
