Glycyrrhiza Glabra Licorice Root, Sweet Wood
Licorice root has a long history and is known to have been used since at least 500 B.C., and has been called the grandfather of herbs. Alexander the Great supplied his troops with rations of Licorice sticks, so they could chew on them which alleviated thirst and kept their energy up to help them win battles. Hippocrates, Theophrastus, and Pliny all referred to Licorice. It was recommended for soothing throats and slaking thirsts. The Blackfoot Indians used wild Licorice as an infusion to treat earaches. Other tribes ate it fresh and used it to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. Large quantities of Licorice were found with the fabulous treasures of King Tut and other Egyptian rulers.
Everyone Used Licorice – From Greeks To Babylonians
The Brahmans of India, the Hindus, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, and Chinese all knew of the value of Licorice. In ancient Greece and Rome, Licorice was employed as a tonic and as a remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats. The ancient Hindus believed it increased sexual vigor when prepared as a beverage with milk and sugar. The Chinese maintained that eating the root would give them strength and endurance and you will find it in almost all of their herbal combinations as it was thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs.
Starwest Botanicals Organic Licorice Root – Get Yours Here.
Licorice is known as a hormone precursor that will replace cortisone. It induces the adrenal cortex to produce larger amounts of cortisone and aldosterone. Licorice root acts in the body like the cortin hormone and assists in helping the body handle stress, allowing blood sugar levels to remain normal and giving a general feeling of well-being.
Licorice root possesses substantial antiarthritic activity. Glaycyrrhizinic acid found in Licorice provides its anti-inflammatory effects, which are related to a release of corticoids from the adrenals and can then be helpful for people with arthritis.
Most Common Use Is For Coughs And Stomach Problems
The most common uses of Licorice are for the treatment of coughs and stomach problems. Licorice soothes and heals the inflamed mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and helps to bring up phlegm. It strengthens digestion and treats stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Licorice root affects the concentrations of blood salts and stimulates and sustains adrenal function while protecting the liver. The use of coffee depletes the adrenal glands. A sign of this depletion is an allergy to citrus fruits and possibly inflamed sinuses. The herb suggested for this condition is Licorice, The vitamins are pantothenic acid (B-5), A, and C, and the minerals are potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium.
Caution:
Excessive use of Licorice can cause sodium retention and potassium depletion possibly leading to hypertension and edema. Use Licorice root with Potassium if high blood pressure is a problem.
References:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley