Licorice Can Be Used As A Remedy For Peptic Ulcer

Licorice Can Be Used As A Remedy For Peptic Ulcer
Other Common Names: Cultivated Licorice, Gan Cao, Iriqsus,
Kan T'Sao, Kan Ts'Ao, Liquirita, Liquorice, Madhuka, Meyankoku, Mi
Ts'Ao, Regaliz, Russian Liquorice, Sus Maikik, Sweetwood, True
Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra

Range: Europe - Mediterranean, natives of South-east Europe and South-west Asia.

Habitat: Dry open places, especially in sandy places near the sea.

The Licorice of medicine and commerce is derived from the sweet root
of various species of Glycyrrhiza, a genus which contains about
fourteen species, natives of warmer temperate countries in both the New
and Old Worlds, ten of them having roots more or less sweet, but most
of them not sufficiently so to be of use.

Dioscorides, who names the plant Glyrrhiza (Greek glukos, sweet, and
riza, a root), from his description of the plant possibly had in view
G. echinata, as well as G. glabra.

The plant is often found under the name Liquiritia officinalis. The
Latin name Liquiritia, whence is derived the English name Liquorice
(Lycorys in the thirteenth century), is a corruption of Glycyrrhiza, as
shown in the transitional form Gliquiricia. The Italian Regolizia, the
German Lacrisse or Lakriz, the Welsh Lacris and the French Reglisse
have the same origin.

Licorice has a long and honorable history in the service of mankind.
The earliest usage of Licorice was back in the first syllables of
recorded time. Licorice freaks throughout history have included
Pharoahs and Prophets. Generous supplies were discovered in KingTut's
tomb, while Egyptian hieroglyphics record the use of Licorice in a
popular beverage by men in the days when the Bible was still being
written!

Alexander the Great, the Scythian armies, Roman Emporer Ceaser, and
even India's great prophet, Brahma, are on record endorsing the
beneficial properties contained in Licorice. Warriors used it for its
ability to quench thirst while on the march, while others (including
Brahma and venerable Chinese Buddhist sages), recognized Licorice's
valuable healing properties.

Natural licorice can be effective medicine. For over 3000 years,
licorice root has been used as a remedy for peptic ulcers, sore throats
and coughs in eastern and western medicine. Licorice root has been used
since the third century BC to help dissipate coughs. Licorice is the
most widely used "drug" in the world due to its volume of consumption
in China.

Licorice is official in all pharmacopoeias, which differ as to the
variety or varieties recognized, as to the botanical name employed and
as to the drug being peeled or unpeeled, dried Licorice root being
supplied in commerce either with or without the thin brown coat. In the
latter state it is known as peeled or
decorticated.

Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbs in Western herbal
medicine and has a very long history of use, both as a medicine and
also as a flavoring to disguise the unpleasant flavor of other
medications. It is a very sweet, moist, soothing herb that detoxifies
and protects the liver and is also powerfully anti-inflammatory, being
used in conditions as varied as arthritis and mouth ulcers.

The root is alterative, antispasmodic, demulcent, diuretic,
emollient, expectorant, laxative, moderately pectoral and tonic. The
root has also been shown to have a hormonal effect similar to the
ovarian hormone. Liquorice root is much used in cough medicines and
also in the treatment of catarrhal infections of the urinary tract. It
is taken internally in the treatment of Addison's disease, asthma,
bronchitis, coughs, peptic ulcer, arthritis, allergic complaints and
following steroidal therapy. It should be used in moderation and should
not be prescribed for pregnant women or people with high blood
pressure, kidney disease or taking digoxin-based medication. Prolonged
usage raises the blood pressure and causes water retention. (See also
the notes on toxicity).

Externally, the root is used in the treatment of herpes, eczema and
shingles. The root is harvested in the autumn when 3 - 4 years old and
is dried for later use.

Root - raw or used as a flavoring. The source of licorice powder
that is extracted and used in sweets (candies), baked goods, ice cream,
soft drinks etc, it is also used medicinally. A sweet and delicious
flavor, but the root is very fibrous. The root contains glycyrrhizin, a
substance that is 50 times sweeter than sucrose. The dried root is
often used for chewing, it is excellent for teething children and also
as a tooth cleaner.

A tea made from the roots is an excellent thirst quencher. The
powdered root is also used as a sweetener in other herb teas. The
leaves are used as a tea substitute in Mongolia.

Extracts from the root are used as a foaming agent in beers and fire extinquishers.

Known Hazards: A gross overdose of the root can cause oedema, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.