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Most of us know licorice as a tasty treat. But true licorice, officially known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is actually a European plant belonging to the pulse family called Leguminosae. When pounded or pressed, the root of the licorice plant manufactures the sweet substance it's famous for. Since ancient times, licorice root has been revered for its medicinal purposes. The root has been used as a laxative and trusted as a cure for coughs. Of course, licorice is also brewed for candy and for flavoring tobacco and other substances. The Licorice Plant Licorice is a lovely perennial plant with pea-shaped, blue blossoms. While true licorice is primarily cultivated in the Middle East, a subspecies known as Glycyrrhiza lepidota or "wild licorice" is native to North America. There are currently fourteen known varieties of the licorice plant. Most types are found in Persia, Southeast Europe and several Asiatic regions. The licorice plant has long graceful stems and pinnate leaves that spread slightly. From a distance, the licorice plants display an almost feathery appearance because of their tiny leaflets resembling the False Acacia. When night falls, the leaves hang down on either side of the midrib. Flowers are small, growing from the axils of the leaves. Licorice flowers are usually purplish in color but may occasionally be pale blue, violet, or yellowish-white. When fully mature, small pods resembling peapods are formed. Health Benefits of Licorice You can find licorice in the histories of herbal medicine and folk healing. There are long and varied legends on the use of licorice. For example, Ancient Chinese healers considered licorice to be one of the important herbs in traditional medicine. Chinese folk healers primarily used licorice as a demulcent for its soothing and coating effects in the digestive and urinary tracts, as well as a cure for diseases including diabetes and tuberculosis. In modern times, the licorice plant has been primarily used in connection with the treatment for coughs, sore throats and, of course, as flavoring. The word "licorice" is actually derived from the Greek word for "sweet root." Recent studies have indicated that licorice contains compounds known as flavonoids and glycyrrhizin. According to some studies, glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory properties and may have inhibiting actions that can hinder the breakdown of cortisol, which is an important substance produced by the body. Although it has yet to be proven to work in humans, licorice may also have anti-viral properties. The flavonoids found in this herb are powerful antioxidants that work to protect several organs of the body, most importantly the liver. Chalcones, which are closely related to flavonoids may also help treat digestive tract cells. Preliminary studies on the results of licorice have shown that the flavonoids can kill the ulcer-causing bacteria, Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria are responsible for most stomach inflammations as well. Liquiritin, an extract made from licorice, has been used as a treatment for melasma, a pigmentation disorder of the skin. According to a study conducted by medical researchers, 70 percent improvement is observed on melasma patients after a twice daily topical application of liquiritin cream for a duration of four weeks. How to Buy Licorice If you're looking for licorice at the health food store, there are two main types on the shelves. "Standard" glycyrrhizin is the type of licorice used to treat chronic fatigue, respiratory conditions and herpes. De-glycyrrhizinated licorice is taken to relieve ulcers and other digestive concerns. You can purchase licorice at the health food store in tablet or capsule form. De-glycyrrhizinated licorice is also sold in powder form, and is often used to treat canker sores.
Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db
Author Joelle Applebe contributes to several Internet sites, on health and wellness and health plans topics. Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the licorice Articles Submissions Service
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