Licorice root contains beneficial compounds like glycyrrhizin, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may have some health benefits, such as reducing acid reflux.
Licorice root comes from the root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra, which grows in Trusted Source Asia, Southern Europe, and the Middle East.
Medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for pharaohs. Now, it’s used to help treat various ailments and flavor candies, drinks, and medicines.
Licorice root contains nearly 300 compounds Trusted Source, but its primary active compound is glycyrrhizin. This is responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease. It acts as a demulcent, a soothing, coating agent, and as an expectorant, meaning it helps get rid of phlegm.
The essential ingredients of black liquorice confectionery are liquorice extract, sugar, and a binder. The base is typically starch/flour, gum arabic, gelatin or a combination thereof. Additional ingredients are extra flavouring, beeswax for a shiny surface, ammonium chloride and molasses.
It’s been used since ancient times as a flavoring agent. It’s also been used as an expectorant. This is to help clear excess mucus from the upper and lower airways. The medicinal parts of the plant are the unpeeled dried roots and runners, and the underground stem (rhizome). Licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin.
Overview. Licorice is an herb that grows in parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause side effects when eaten in large amounts. The chemicals in licorice are thought to decrease swelling, decrease cough, and increase the chemicals in our body that heal ulcers.
