LICORICE

(Glycyrrhiza glabra; G. typica, G. glandulifera; PAPILIONACEAE)

Part used:  Dried rhizome and root.

Therapeutic action:

Demulcent, expectorant, emollient, pectoral, aperient, slightly stimulant and sialogogue.  Licorice is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes, and at the same time, it is cleansing of catarrhal affections, especially of the respiratory tract. It has an agreeable taste and increases the flow of saliva and mucus when slowly chewed or sucked; the increased secretions act as emollients to the throat. Licorice is one of the oldest, mildest and yet most efficient laxatives (aperients), and is especially safe and effective for delicate or constipated children, or for adults having stomach weakness who are unable to take the stronger laxatives (cathartics). It softens, soothes, lubricates, and nourishes the intestinal tract.

It soothes and heals any inflamed mucous membranes and catarrhal conditions. It is a corrective agent for other stronger herbal laxatives (strong cathartics and purgatives), modifying their action. It is excellent to cover the taste of agrimony or other bitters in herbal preparations (such as senegal, guaiacum, senna, etc.), and the powdered extract or root is excellent as an excipient (substance used to give preparations a suitable form or consistency) in pills and demulcent troches or lozenges. The chief active principle in licorice is a substance known as glycryyhiza or glycyrrhizic acid, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar cane and while other sweets will increase the thirst, licorice will alleviate thirst. It also contains estrogenic action (female hormone).

Medicinal uses:

Cough, sore throat, hoarseness, wheezing, dyspnea, chest and lung complaints, febrile catarrhal conditions, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, bowel and urinary affections, inflammation of mucous membrane and skin, and gastric ulcers. It acts as a medicinal cover for bitter excipient and coating for pills.

Preparation:

Decoction, elixir, fluid extract, infusion, powder, syrup and tincture. The black, dry, very brittle licorice, where the fracture is shiny is the best grade to use.