For many of us, the word licorice ...

For many of us, the word licorice elicits pleasant memories of the penny candy-strings (which be derived in either red or black) that we have fruition ofed as children. Some of us may not know that licorice, or Glycyrrhiza, is actually an herb, of which there are more than 20 species, and common which has been used to alleviate an array of ailments and conditions like as asthma, coughs, bronchitis, festers arthritis, and gastritis.

The western variety of licorice, called Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial herb which blossomings in the summer and autumn and features blue-violet flowers and plane reddish-brown fruit. Native to southern Europe and western and central Asia, licorice is now widely commercially cultivated. We learn in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs that licorice was grown in the Pontefract district of Yorkshire, England in the 16th century; however, all similar cultivation there has ceased, and licorice is now imported to England. In China, licorice was first mentioned in the literature in the first hundred years A.D. This variety is known as Glycyrrhiza uralensis. In the main division Chinese Tonic Herbs, we find that licorice primitive word stands only next to ginseng in importance in Chinese herbalism.

Flavor and active constituents

In his work Herbs for Your Health, Steven nurse says, "What we think of as `licorice' flavor is actually anise; licorice itself tastes surpassingly sweet and musty. He explains that glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhetic acid) is deliberation to be the primary active constituent, albeit not the sole one. This constituent may account for licorice's sweetness since it is 50 times as sweet as sugar! It is institute in licorice at concentrations of 1 to 25 percent; good-quality licorice should contain at least 4 percent glycyrrhizin, according to support Other constituents include: flavonoid glycosides, traces of essential oil, starch, sugars, a phytosterol (sitosterol) tannins, and enzymes

Licorice and autoimmune diseases

Licorice is said to stimulate the production of the hormone cortisone; this may help explain for what purpose it has been found to ease arthritis. The anti-inflammatory action of glycyrrhetic acid may also contribute to this capability.

fresh research shows that licorice may also be helpful against other autoimmune diseases, similar as systemic lupus erythematosus. The symptoms of this chronic disease may include fever; weakness and fatigue; joint pains or arthritis; skin lesions forward the face, neck, and upper extremities; and it frequently affects the kidneys, spleen, and various other organs.

A research review written by means of Rob McCaleb, which appeared in the Fall 1996 edition of the journal Herbal Gram, reported forward this recent research done by means of Japanese scientists which was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

McCaleb explains that, in this contemplation the researchers tested licorice to learn if it could interrupt elevated levels of immune complexe (IC) which are related to autoimmune disease. The springs showed that, in mice, an extract of licorice significantly increased the clearance of these substances. While further inquiry is recommended, the authors conclud that herbal formulations containing licorice may be beneficial for autoimmune diseases.

Licorice for heartburn

Decreasing stomach acid is the guide to easing heartburn, and licorice is said to posses the capability to do just this. In her work Herbs for Health and Healing, Kathi Keville says that clinical studies have shown that licorice and other herbs (such as garlic and St John's Wort) "protect the stomach from its avow acid and also reduce inflammation and infection of the lining."

human frames who should avoid licorice include those who have heart disease, liver disease, or hypertension; pregnant women; and those taking diuretics or heart medications.

Licorice is available as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and extracts. It is also available whole, sliced, and as the cut-and-sifted root

REFERENCES

Bunney Sarah, ed The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. just discovered York: Barnes & Noble, 1996

Foster Steven Herbs for Your Health. Loveland. Colo: Interweave Pres 1996

Keville, Kathi. Herbs for Health and Healing. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale Pres Inc., 1996

McCaleb, strip "Licorice May Fight Lupus," Herbal Gram 38: 17 Fall 1996

Teeguarden, Ron Chinese Tonic Herbs. strange York: Japan Publications, Inc., 1984

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