by Kimberley Heit

Created on: August 24, 2008

-LICORICE-MUCH MORE THAN A SWEET CANDY STICK-

Licorice is not just a sweet candy stick; it is a perennial plant with amazing healing properties! The roots and stems of the licorice plant have acted as a natural medicine since the 16th century, treating various conditions from the common sore throat through to hypoglycemia and arthritis. It is a favorite of Chinese herbalists and some of its many abilities include being antifungal, antibacterial, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic.

Licorice contains flavonoids, plant sterols, vitamins A, B group vitamins, vitamin E and the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, potassium and chromium.

Licorice can be purchased in many forms, including:
-Dried root to be boiled as an infusion or chewed on.
-Licorice tincture
-Licorice liquid extract
-Licorice tea
-Licorice capsules
-Sweet licorice sticks-choose the all natural or organic varieties

The conditions licorice is used to treat are numerous and varied, they include:

COUGHS AND RESPIRATORY COMPLAINTS-licorice is an expectorant. Expectorants help rid the body of mucous which can be helpful in the recovery or prevention of respiratory infections. The glycosides in licorice help the body remove fluid trapped in the lungs and throat via urine. Licorice is also a demulcent which provides relief from coughing and a sore throat by applying a coating agent to the throat passage.

CHOLESTORAL LOWERING-studies have demonstrated that taking licorice root extract can lower cholesterol levels. This is due to the plan sterols contained in licorice, plant sterols reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your body.

AIDING THE IMMUNITY- Licorice assists with the function of the immune system by stimulating the production of interferon which can help with the recovery of white blood cells. Studies have shown that it can help patients undergoing radiation improve their immunity. Licorice also contains ten bio flavanoids that fight free radicals that can cause cancer and strengthen the immune system.

MENOPAUSE AND MENSTRUAL DIFFICULTIES-licorice provides a good source of estrogen so it can be helpful for women suffering from symptoms related to insufficient estrogen levels. Licorice can normalize ovulation because it balances hormones.

STOMACH ULCERS- doctors in European and Asian countries use licorice to treat stomach ulcers. Studies have indicated that it has a success rate of higher then 90%. Licorice works by eradicating harmful levels of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>