1) Licorice is a frequent addition to mixtures of other herbs because its taste makes them easier to consume.
2) Licorice seems to up the levels of interferon in the human body, which is key to fighting viruses.
3) Licorice is an effective antioxidant.
4) Coughs can be controlled and inflammations reduced with licorice.
5) Upset stomachs can be soothed with licorice.
6) In Chinese herbal medicine licorice is used to protect the digestive system from the effects of other herbs that are harder to digest.
7) Licorice acts on congestion and coughing by loosening mucus in the airways.
8) Respiratory problems in general can be treated with licorice.
9) Licorice is being used as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.
10) The liver is protected by licorice and licorice is thought to combat liver inflammation that comes with hepatitis.
Licorice can be so widely applied that its potential benefits go far beyond a simple list of ten. Research has revealed that licorice inhibits the works of bad cholesterol and, therefore, might keep plaque from forming in the arteries. Because licorice boosts the functioning of our immune systems, it is hoped that licorice also inhibits the development of cancer.
The digestive tract benefits from licorice. Licorice is an aid in battling Crohn’s disease, colitis, indigestion, inflamed bowels, and plain old heartburn. As part of this, licorice also helps to repair the lining of the stomach. Even canker sores get better when licorice is applied.
As a treatment, the sticks of licorice we are familiar with are usually not the method of choice. Instead, licorice is administered as a wafer, lozenge, tea, cream, liquid, or pill. And why not use licorice candy? Much of it is flavored with anise oil rather than licorice, which renders the effort useless.
Copyright © Dennis Becker, 2004.
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