Licorice Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a traditional herbal remedy and flavouring agent that has been used worldwide for thousands of years. The plant is a legume, and native to southern Europe and Asia.

Licorice is used for many health concerns, including gastric and duodenal ulcers, sore throats, bronchitis, chronic gastritis, osteoarthritis, and for bacterial and viral infections (1). Licorice is also used as flavouring in a variety of products, such as candies, gum, and beverages.

Licorice has antispasmodic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-hepatoxic, laxative and soothing properties (1). The main active ingredient in licorice is glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for its sweet taste. Preliminary evidence suggests that glycyrrhizin may inhibit the growth of the coronavirus, which is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Licorice also works as an expectorant, and has traditionally been used in cough preparations (2).

References

1. Holistic-Online. Herb Information. Licorice. Available online from

http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h204.htm.

2. Wikipedia.com, Licorice. Available online from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice.