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Until recently, I had always associated licorice with Halloween and Easter. After all, it's a flavor of candy, right? Actually, that's wrong. Licorice is the root of the plant called Glycyrrhiza glabra which grows naturally in southern Europe and in Asia. This plant is in the same family that beans and peas are in. This means that licorice is the root of a vegetable-type plant. Of course, when licorice is produced as candy, sugar is added. It as also added to salty Chinese dishes to cancel some of the salt taste out.

Surprisingly this root can be used for a host of medical conditions. Because it has a fast-acting agent in it, it's a favorite for both children and adults to produce quick results. During the cold and flu season, licorice can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent to ease bronchitis-type symptoms. It will also stimulate cells that produce interferon, the body's natural antiviral compound. If you have chronic anxiety, try licorice. It increases the production of the natural chemicals in your body and will help you recover more easily. For women who are going through pre-menopause or menopause, licorice has natural estrogen properties that will help normalize and regulate the production of hormones in your body.

Research studies have been done on licorice to back up the use of licorice by doctors in Europe and Japan. Already early trials indicate that aspirin coated with licorice reduced the number of stomach ulcers by 50% in lab rats. In another study with humans, it was concluded that licorice is effective in relieving the pain that comes with stomach ulcers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, beginning studies for HIV show that licorice may prevent the spread of the virus within the body. More research needs to be done on this though.

Are you trying to lose weight? You may want stock up on licorice. In a recent study of a controlled group of people, body fat was lower after eating 3.5 grams of licorice each day for two months. And in another study, it was concluded that licorice can reduce the thickness of fat on the thighs. I was so happy to discover this during my own research because I have always had a tendency to have big thighs.

Although licorice is obviously a wonderful natural medication, people taking the following medications should consult their doctor before adding licorice to their list: ace-inhibitors and diuretics, aspirin, digoxin, corticosteroids, insulin, laxatives, or oral contraceptives. It may be okay for you to take licorice but because of certain reactions with the medications mentioned, it's better to be safe than sorry.

I think the next time I go grocery shopping, I'm going to buy a small bag of licorice for those times in between meals when my stomach is growling at me.

Learn more about this author, Glynis Jolly.
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