Licorice is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product, and also has properties of herbal supplements. Licorice root has been used as a medicine for thousands of years all over the world. Ancient Arabians used licorice to treat coughs and in Europe, it was first used by the Greeks to treat asthma and dry cough. Its anti-inflammatory, expectorant qualities still make it widely useful in medicines.
Licorice has been known to increase the fluidity of mucous from the lungs, relieve coughs, hoarseness, mucous congestion and clean bronchial tubes.
Studies have shown that licorice works well to reduce inflammation and symptoms of allergy, which are inflamed mucous membranes, runny nose, sneezing, irritated eyes with redness and excessive tearing. There are certain substances in licorice that enhance the body’s cortisol, a hormone that decreases inflammation. Furthermore, licorice makes the body’s cortisol last longer, thus reducing inflammation without side effects.
Apart from this, licorice, if used on the skin in an ointment form, relieves itching. It is used along with certain other herbs in Chinese medicine, Angelica sinensi, Chinese skullcap and ginge, which combine to provide antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and expectorant effects. Licorice also strengthens the adrenal gland which is weakened during hay fever.
Since a prolonged high-dose may result in hypertension and edema, it is recommended not to have it as a long term medication. Licorice is also not recommended during pregnancy.
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