Ingredient

The root is adrenal tonic, alterative, antacid, antiarthritis, antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, antiviral, aperient, carminative, cooling, demulcent, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, mild estrogenic, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, hepatoprotective, nervine, nutritive, pectoral, phytoestrogenic, rejuvenative, soothing and tonic. The principal constituent of liquorice is glycyrrhizin (also known as glycyrrhizic acid), which is effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Glycyrrhizin inhibits liver cell injury but does not reverse reduced protein synthesis. Liquorice is also used for the treatment of asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat and to release phlegm and reduce fever. Glycyrrhizin stimulates the secretion of the adrenal cortex hormone 'aldosterone'. This herb can be as effective as codeine, and safer, when used as a cough suppressant. It alleviates irritable conditions of the mucus membrane, strengthens immune system and provides resistance in recurring infections.

It tones up the intestines and is a mild antiinflammatory for arthritis and is used to treat viral liver inflammation, gastric, duodenal and esophageal ulceration or inflammation, heartburn and mouth ulcers. It stimulates production of hormones by the adrenal glands and reduces the breakdown of steroids by the liver and kidneys. It induces menstrual flow and expels the placenta after childbirth. As liquorice is a source of estrogen, it can be useful for women's problems such as menstrual cramps and menopause. It has also been shown to relieve rheumatism, arthritis, low blood sugar and regulating menstruation. Also useful in infertility (male and female).

Licorice is a very powerful antidepressant. At least eight licorice compounds are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. (MAO inhibitors are compounds capable of potent antidepressant action.)