Licorice Herb

Licorice, a legume is native to Europe and Asia and is not often grown in North America where a similar and native species is cultivated; American Licorice. Licorice is cultivated for its root in producing the extract by boiling the root down. Licorice is similar in flavor to Anise and Fennel but tends to be a little sweeter.

Licorice has its place in medicine as well as culinary dishes and candies. Licorice is commonly made into a candy and is often an ingredient in beverages such as root beer and some liquors as well as tea. Medicinally Licorice is often used in chest congestion as an expectorant and is thought to be a mild laxative as well as having topical uses.

The United States is a major importer of Licorice from the Mediterranean, Spain and Asia with about 90 percent of its use being a flavor additive to cigarettes and other tobacco products. Contrary to the name, much of the Licorice candy produced in the United States is actually flavored with Anise and not with Licorice.

Licorice Tea

Herbal Tea Recipe

Licorice Tea is prepared by steeping � - 1 teaspoon dried Licorice root in 8 ounces of water for 10 minutes.

Licorice Uses & Herbal Remedies

Licorice is often added to cough syrups as an expectorant, Licorice tea thickened with honey can be used for this purpose at home.

A compress of Licorice can be used topically to treat skin conditions such as shingles, oral and genital herpes and other viral skin conditions.

Licorice has been used to aid ulcers and digestive problems including constipation.

Licorice Cautions

Excessive use of Licorice can cause liver damage and is thought to raise blood pressure, retain water and salt and lower potassium levels.

Licorice is discouraged for people with high blood pressure or liver conditions.

Large amounts of Licorice can affect the body�s hormone levels and excessive amounts should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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