Licorice Root

50g (1.76oz)

Medicinal Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Properties: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, demulcent, adrenal agent, mild laxative

Treatment: cold & flu, diabetes, gastritis, peptic ulcer, arthritis, joint pain, hepatitis

Description:

With a constituent—glycyrrhizic acid—that is 50 times sweeter than sugar, it is not surprising that licorice is mainly thought of as a candy. Yet it is also one of the most valuable of all herbal medicines, a powerful anti-inflammatory that is effective in conditions as varied as arthritis and canker sores. It is among the most used herbs in European medicine, and has been taken medicinally for several thousand years.

Inflammatory conditions of the digestive system such as canker sores, gastritis, peptic ulceration, and excessive acid problems benefit from licorice’s demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties, as do many chest complaints, arthritis, inflamed joints, and some skin problems. Licorice is also soothing for inflamed eyes.

Preparation:

Decoction- put 1–2 tsp of the roots in a cup of water, bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.

Caution: Do not take licorice root daily for more than 4 weeks