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Most of us know licorice as a tasty treat. But true licorice, officially known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is actually a European plant belonging to the pulse family called Leguminosae. When pounded or pressed, the root of the licorice plant manufactures the sweet substance it's famous for. Since ancient times, licorice root has been revered for its medicinal purposes. The root has been used as a laxative and trusted as a cure for coughs. Of course, licorice is also brewed for candy and for flavoring tobacco and other substances. Licorice in Nature Licorice is a lovely perennial plant with pea-shaped, blue blossoms. While true licorice is primarily cultivated in the Middle East, a subspecies known as Glycyrrhiza lepidota or "wild licorice" is native to North America. There are currently fourteen known varieties of the licorice plant. Most types are found in Persia, Southeast Europe and several Asiatic regions. The licorice plant has long graceful stems and lightly spreading, pinnate leaves. From a distance, they display an almost feathery appearance because of their tiny leaflets which resemble those of the False Acacia. At night, the leaves hang down on each side of the midrib. The flowers are little, growing from the axils of the leaves. Licorice flowers are purplish in color and occasionally pale-blue, violet, or yellowish-white. At the peak of maturity, small pods are formed which somewhat resemble a partly grown peapod. Health Benefits of Licorice Licorice has enjoyed an extensive history in the annals of herbal medicine and folk healing. Legends of the use of licorice are long and varied. In Ancient China, licorice was considered to be one of the most important herbs in traditional medicine. Used primarily as a demulcent for its soothing and coating effects in the digestive and urinary tracts, Chinese folk healers also used licorice to cure an array of conditions and diseases including tuberculosis and diabetes. In modern times, the licorice plant has been primarily used in connection with the treatment for coughs, sore throats and, of course, as flavoring. The word "licorice" is actually derived from the Greek word for "sweet root." Recent studies have indicated that licorice contains compounds known as flavonoids and glycyrrhizin. According to some studies, glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory properties and may have inhibiting actions that can hinder the breakdown of cortisol, which is an important substance produced by the body. Researchers believe that licorice can hold important anti-viral properties, although this is yet to be proven on humans. Flavonoids found in licorice can act as powerful antioxidants, protecting the liver and other vital organs. Digestive tract cells may also benefit from chalcones, which are also components of licorice closely related to flavonoids. Preliminary studies using licorice as a treatment have suggested that flavonoids can destroy the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, responsible for ulcers and other common stomach inflammations. Liquiritin, an extract made from licorice, has been used as a treatment for melasma, a pigmentation disorder of the skin. According to a study conducted by medical researchers, 70 percent improvement is observed on melasma patients after a twice daily topical application of liquiritin cream for a duration of four weeks. Buying Licorice When using licorice, keep in mind that there are two types available in the market. The first is the "standard" licorice which contains glycyrrhizin and used to treat respiratory infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, or herpes. The second type is called the "de-glycyrrhizinated" licorice used to relieve conditions of the digestive tract, such as ulcers. You can purchase licorice at the health food store in tablet or capsule form. De-glycyrrhizinated licorice is also sold in powder form, and is often used to treat canker sores.
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Joelle Applebe is happiest writing for some of today's best known web sites, on health diet fitness and alternative health themes. Click here to get your own unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submissions Service
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