Licorice (Liquorice) is the root of Glycyyrhiza glabra most commonly found in Turkey, Greece, and all around Asia. Licorice is a legume and an herbaceous perennial plant. Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizic acid and it is used to treat a number of different health conditions. People often times use Licorice (Liquorice) as an herbal dietary supplement, natural medicine, alternative medicine, naturopathic holistic homeopathic health product, and home remedy for its health benefits.
Licorice is probably most well-known for its use a flavoring agent in a multitude of commercial products and snacks such as beverages, candy, and tobacco. Other names for licorice include: Chinese Licorice, Zhi Gan Cao, Sweet Root, Russian Licorice, Spanish Licorice, Subholz, and Regliz.
Health Benefits of Licorice (Liquorice)
Licorice root is sometimes used as an herbal dietary supplement for treating bronchitis, stomach ulcers, sore throat, and viral infections like hepatitis. In japan, the root is commonly used as a home remedy and natural medicine to treat chronic viral hepatitis. The Chinese have reportedly used licorice as a natural remedy or herbal medicine to treat tuberculosis.
The Chinese have traditionally used licorice as an herbal formula to help alleviate the symptoms of a spasmodic cough. Hoxsey anti-cancer formula contains licorice; which is said to be helpful in the reregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
In addition, licorice root has been used as a home remedy or natural medicine to treat a wide range of digestive ailments such as stomach ulcers, colic, gastritis; as well as heart burn, sore throat, viral and bacterial infections, and osteoporosis.
Licorice is also used as a naturopathic and homeopathic medicine to treat liver problems, food poisoning, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and chronic fatigue syndrome.
In conjunction with other herbs, licorice is said to improve adrenal gland functions. It has also been stated as being an effective herbal cure for infertility and hormonal problems for women. It may also be useful in treation prostate cancer and eczema as well.
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