Liquorice

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LIQUORICE

The botanical name of Liquorice is Glycyrrhim Glabra. In Hindi it is known with the name Mulethi. It is used as a flavoring agent.

Liquorice has been a part of Chinese traditional medicine for the past hundreds of years. It also occupies an important place in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. It was mentioned by Susruta in the ancient text books on Ayurveda.

It is also known as “sweet root” as it contains a compound which is almost 50 times sweeter than sugar. Liquorice is grown in Syria, Turkey, Russia, Greece and southern Europe. In India it is grown in the northwestern parts.

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED

The dried roots of the plant are used for medicinal purposes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIQUORICE

Liquorice is a perennial plant which grows to a height of 3-7 feet. It has a branching root system which is extensive. The roots are wrinkled, straight, made up of fibrous wood. They are cylindrical and long and also grow underground horizontally. Liquorice roots are brown in color on the outer side and yellow inside. All licorice supplements are derived from the underground stems and roots of the plant.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF LIQUORICE

The herb has various relieving powers. Some of them are as follows:

Liquorice is a soothing moist herb which has expectorant, anti-inflammatory properties. It relieves coughs effectively and exhibits laxative and hormonal effects.
It has been used to relieve adreno-corticoid insufficiency and tuberculosis.

Internal Use

• Liquorice is consumed internally to relieve bronchitis, asthma, peptic ulcer, coughs, arthritis and allergic complaints.
• In enhances the relieving of peptic ulcers and also used in adreno-coticoid insufficiency.
• It is used in Chinese medicine for revitalizing heart functions and also relieves palpitations. It boosts the functioning of the spleen and detoxifies the digestive system and the body.
• The roots of liquorice are chewed as a candy.

External Use

• It is used to relieve eczema, shingles and herpes and because of the anti-inflammatory effects, relieves sunburn, piles and insect bites.
• Because of its sweetness it is usually utilized as a sweetening agent to cover the bitter taste of medicinal formulations.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

It comprises of chalcones, isoflavonoids and triterpene saponins. Glycyrrhetinic acid and 24-hydrooxyglycyrrhetinic acid which give the sweet taste are also present.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

This herb acts as a relieve for many ailments. Some of these are:

• Peptic ulcers: It is often used for the management ulcers in the stomach. Some of the studies prove the fact that licorice helps to fasten the relieving time.
• Canker sores: People suffering from canker sores should gargle for 4 times at least with warm water in which liquorice has been dissolved.
• Eczema: liquorice gel when applied to the infected skin will relieve problems of swelling, dryness and itching.
• Dyspepsia: When liquorice is used in combination with chamomile and peppermint, it relieves symptoms related to GERD or indigestion.
• Respiratory infections: Liquorice is used relieving asthma, cough and colds.
• Muscular pains: Liquorice is effective in reducing muscular pains. Consuming an infusion of the roots soaked overnight will relieve chronic joint problems.
• Baldness: Pieces of liquorice when ground in milk and saffron paste is effective in relieving bald patches. This paste should be applied at bedtime regularly for few weeks.
• Scars and wounds: Liquorice powder can be mixed with honey, ghee and butter. This paste should be applied on wounds and cuts. The leaves of the licorice plant can be used as a poultice to relieve wounds.
• Corns: A paste of liquorice sticks when mixed with mustard or sesame oil and applied on corns yields good results.
• Myopia: Liquorice powder along with honey and glue can be used to relieve myopia.
• Constipation: It is used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It should be consumed with jaggery and water.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS IN USING LIQUORICE

This herb should not be used by pregnant women, people suffering from anemia, hypertoia, cholestatic liver disorders, high blood pressure, kidney problems and also while consuming medication which has digoxin. Over usage of the herb may lead to high blood pressure and water retention.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE LIQUORICE

Planet Ayurveda recognizes the relieving properties of this herb and is using it in the following product: