Licorice Root - Glycyrrhiza Glabra

How would you like to sweeten your tea without using sugar?  Licorice may be the answer for you.  It's much sweeter than sugar -- 50 times sweeter in fact! 

Wait, something that's sweet AND good for you?  I think I could handle that!  So, how does it benefit someone?

I'm glad you asked.  Licorice is a demulcent herb.  That means it'll help moisturize dry, irritated mucous membranes. Imagine quenching the fire of heartburn or ulcer.  As you moisturize your digestive tract and excretory system, digestion and elimination issues like constipation can resolve themselves.  

Licorice is also antiviral, antimicrobial, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory.  All of these properties work together to help soothe hot, dry conditions when you've been sick with a cold or flu and you have a sore throat and/or dry cough.  It may even help you recover more quickly from what ails you.   Beyond that, it's an immunomodulator, which means it balances your immune system so you can stay healthy.

As a flavoring, Licorice is used in toothpaste, candy, cooking, pastilles, lozenges, syrup,  and teas.  As an adaptogen, it has the propensity to enhance the synergy between other herbs in a blend so that they're more effective.  

As with all things, moderation is the key to using licorice.  It needs to be a small part of an herbal blend and used short term -- not more than 6 weeks.  Because it can raise blood pressure, those with high blood pressure should not use it.  If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, don't use this herb unless your health care practitioner recommends it to you.  If you are taking medicines with corticosteroids, licorice could interact with them.