Also known as: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Bois Doux, Racine Douce, Zhi Gan Cao
Herb used in the traditional Chinese medicine for harmonizing the 12 meridians, Licorice is native of Asia and southern Europe. Flavoring agent for tobacco, Licorice is also found in foods (especially sweets and candies), beverages (liqueurs) and hair products (shampoos for reducing hair oiliness).
The root used to prepare medicine is beneficial in digestive disorders, including heartburn, gastritis, ulcer and colic. According to studies conducted by Dr. Y. Arse, Licorice has proven to stimulate the interferon secretion, the extract being able to prevent liver cancer and decrease incipient hepatic carcinomas. Cures with Licorice extract stop the evolution of viral hepatitis A, B and C and administered in parallel with interferon medication, decrease the adverse effects, improving the positive outcome. Encouraging results were also obtained in research regarding prostate cancer and cervical cancer.
Chemicals contained by Licorice decrease the testosterone level and increase the estrogen level, boosting fertility in women, treating the lack of menstruation (amenorrhea) and improving menopause symptoms.
In combination with other herbs such as Bupleurum falcatum and Panax ginseng, Licorice can help people under long term steroid treatment, improving the activity of the adrenal glands, which are often suppressed by steroid medication.
Being a stimulant for the immunity, with proven anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, Licorice can be used in auto-immune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus and for this reason Licorice is also known as natural cortisol. Helpful also in rheumatism problems, Licorice helps us respond better to physiological and psychological stress.
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