Licorice

Other Common Names: Sweet wood, Sweet root.

Latin description: Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Parts to use: Root.

Chemical constituents: Flavonoids, Iso flavonoids, sterols, coumarins, amines, Glycyrrhizin.

Actions: Antibacterial, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, estrogenic, emulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, restorative.

Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Expectorant (expelling phlegm); antispasmodic; anodyne; demulcent; anti-inflammatory; mild cough suppressant; mildly laxative; antiviral properties.
Useful for upper respiratory problems; as a digestive aid; for urinary tract infections and irritations; benefits healing ulcers; important for adrenal support.

Licorice root is one of the most basic tools of any herbalist and Chinese medicine. It soothes the stomach and the inflammed gallbladder and its duct. Licorice root is an exellent overall tonic and is used for overworked adrenals. It also stimulates other glands, helps to expel phlegm, and is a source of Estrogen.
Caution: People with high blood pressure have to monitor their blood pressure as Licorice root tends to slowly raise it. On the other hand, this makes Licorice root even more valuable for people with low blood pressure.
There is also a deglycyrrhizinated Licorice. This form does not raise the blood pressure but has the same healing effect on gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Another health warning concerns possible Heart damage since Licorice may deplete Potassium.
An easy remedy is to make sure that enough Potassium is in your daily diet. Your daily Banana or Vitamin/Mineral supplement should take care of it.
If extensive amounts are used over a prolonged period of time, potassium supplements are suggested.
If licorice is taken for stomach problems and to make sure it remains in the stomach long enough, roll onto your left side first, then lie on back and stomach (each time for 3 to 5 minutes) before you stand up or turn to your right side because this is where the stomach exit is.
Test have shown that it contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiallergic, antiviral, estrogenic, anticancer, anti-Trichomonas, and antitussive properties.
Chinese Licorice is said to be even stronger and is
one of the most important herbs and part of most combinations of herbs. Chinese call it the "Great Detoxifier". It restores the life essence and prolongs life.

Dosage>
Capsules: 4 caps 4x daily.
Decoction: 1 cup 4x daily.

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