Licorice root (gan cao) has been used by various cultures for thousands of years. Pieces
of the root were discovered in King Tutankhamun's burial tomb, presumably so
that the young pharaoh could enjoy the traditional Egyptian beverage Mai sus,
which would ensure safe passage to the next word.
Today, next to ginger,
licorice is the most widely used herb in China. In powdered form, licorice root
is most often encapsulated as a dietary supplement.