LICORICE
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. Also known as "sweet root," licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease. This herb has long been valued as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) and expectorant (rids phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract). It is still used today for a variety of conditions, although not all its uses are supported by scientific evidence.
An Ancient Font of Health
Used for generations in China, ancient Greece and the British Isles, Licorice is cultivated around the world. The sweet taste of its yellow root prompted its use in the manufacture of candies. It contains vitamin E, B-complex, biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, lecithin, manganese and other trace elements. Although Licorice has been used as a flavoring for hundreds of years, many people don't know that it also has very beneficial medicinal qualities. Licorice root has gained a reputation for strengthening the body during times of stress. Since the 14th century, Licorice has been used to soothe coughs, colds and bronchitis. It can be made into a licorice extract, concentrate or infusion, It is still used for these reasons today and it is one of the ingredients found in many European cough preparations. Research has shown that Licorice helps treat and relieve the pains that accompany certain types of ulcers. Although common practice in Europe, its use in treating ulcers is not as prevalent in North America. However, with more and more researchers gaining positive results with its use as an ulcer treatment, Licorice may soon become more popular in North America. Finally, Licorice also has anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore help relieve the discomforts that accompany arthritic conditions.
Today’s Science Reveals Licorice’s Amazing Health Benefits
In recent times science has been re-discovering the health benefits of licorice. Licorice is in fact a powerful antiviral that contains 10 antioxidants, at least 25 fungicidal and 9 expectorant compounds. Licorice also includes MAO inhibitors, several XO inhibitors, and natural estrogenic ingredients. But this is not all that helps to form licorice. Licorice is also made up of beneficial components such as phytochemicals, magnesium, and sodium.
Licorice is used to treat a vast array of illnesses. In China, licorice is considered a superior balancing or harmonizing agent and is added to numerous herbal formulas. It is used to soothe coughs and reduce inflammation, soothe and heal ulcers and stomach inflammation, control blood sugar, and balance hormones. Licorice is great for healing canker sores and cold sores (herpes simplex virus). Licorice is a potent antiviral agent and can be used to treat flu, herpes, and even hepatitis. Licorice is also a strong anti-inflammatory agent and can be used to improve the flavor of other herbs. With all of these uses, it is no wonder that licorice finds its way into so many therapies.
Various Medical Studies Have Conclusively Demonstrated the Benefits of Licorice:
- In one published study, researchers at the Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples, Italy named Licorice as one digestive herb that "has been used extensively and [had its] clinical efficacy documented." They also suggested Licorice as a dietary adjunct to existing therapies. Phytother Res. 2000 Dec;14(8):581-91
- Scientists at the Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Materials, Tokyo, Japan point out that Licorice has been used since ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian times, and in traditional Chinese medicine, as one of their most frequently used plants. In Japan, the oldest specimen of Licorice introduced from China in the 8th Century still exists in the Imperial Storehouse in Shosoin. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2000 Oct;120(10):849-62
The principle constituent of Licorice (and the component that gives Licorice its characteristically sweet taste) is called glycyrrhizin. Not only is Licorice supportive of normal digestion, and the glycyrrhizin it contains also supports normally functioning joints and the body's own natural response to inflammation.
LICORICE is a key ingredient in the effectiveness of Rebootizer, imparting its many, and amazing health benefits. Working in conjunction with the other amazing natural ingredients of Rebootizer: Dandelion, Lemon Balm, Angelica, Artichoke and Acerola.
