Description:
Powdered liquorice root is an effective
expectorant
Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) has also been used for this purpose since ancient times, especially in Ayurvedic medicine where it is also used in tooth powders. Modern cough syrups often include liquorice extract as an ingredient. Additionally, liquorice may be useful in conventional and naturopathic medicine for both
mouth ulcers and
peptic ulcers.
Liquorice is also a mild
laxative and may be used as a topical
antiviral agent for
shingles, ophthalmic, oral or genital herpes.
Liquorice affects the body's endocrine system as it contains
isoflavones (phytoestrogens). It can lower the amount of serum testosterone, but whether it affects the amount of free testosterone is unclear. Large doses of
glycyrrhetinic acid in liquorice extract can lead to
hypokalemia and serious increases in blood pressure, a syndrome known as apparent mineralocorticoid excess.
It inhibits Helicobacter pylori, is used as an aid for healing stomach and duodenal ulcers, and in moderate amounts may soothe an
upset stomach. Liquorice can be used to treat
ileitis, leaky gut syndrome,
irritable bowel syndrome and
Crohn's disease as it is
antispasmodic in the bowels.
Liquorice is an
adaptogen which helps reregulate the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It can also be used for auto-immune conditions including
lupus,
scleroderma,
rheumatoid arthritis and animal dander allergies.
Cultivation:
Liquorice grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils, with full sun, and is harvested in the autumn two to three years after planting.
Plant info:
Fabaceae
Plant Longevity:
Perennial
Max height:
1000mm / 39.37
Tags: herbs, alternative medicine, Liquorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra,
