Licorice
Licorice
Licorice is a botanical shrub native to southern Europe and Asia. Its
roots are sought after for its sweetness and medicinal properties.
It has been proven useful in the treatment of coughs and for the relief of
sore throats. Licorice increases the production of protective mucus in
the stomach, and may reduce acid secretion, making it a useful treatment
for inflammatory stomach conditions such as ulcer.
In the confectionery industry, licorice root extracts are mixed with sugar,
corn syrup and flour to make all types of licorice candy. It is also
employed as a sweetening agent to counteract the unpleasant taste of
many drugs. In the United Kingdom, liquorice is popularly used as an
emulsifier to create foam in drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Licorice root can be chewed or made into tea. Tea made from licorice
and other anti-spasmodic herbs is often taken for menstrual cramps.
Like all other herbs, it's the dose of licorice that spells the difference
between health and death. When you're tempted to overdose on herbal
remedies, think about the destructive effects of poison ivy. Yes,
seemingly innocent looking herbs or plants can kill!