Liquorice Medicine

Liquorice has been used for its medical properties since the Third Century. References into its medical benefits appear across the world in Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese and American Indian ancient manuscripts.

First appeared in Pontefract manuscripts in the 1500s, and has been used throughout the centuries, ever evolving as medicine has expanded. It contains Vitamin E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 complex, Biotin, Lecithin, Manganese, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Protein, Zinc and other trace elements
 
It is believed to increases the production of protective mucus in the stomach and reduces acid secretion. Clinical trials have shown it to benefit Intestinal, Gastric and Bowel problems,
Peptic and Duodenal Ulcers and reduce the gastric side effects of Arthritic drugs and Aspirin

As it supports the Adrenal Glands it can be useful for inflammatory conditions; e.g. Eczema and Shingles. It is known to encourage the production of the hormone hydrocortisone, and like cortisone can relieve Arthritic and Allergy symptoms without the side effects.

The juice is a natural Antibiotic and is used in ointment for Eczema, Psoriasis, Burns, Boils & Sores.

Many women used it to alleviate the symptoms of Menopause and Period Pains. It can also help restore natural steroid production after a course of medication and relieve Nervous Exhaustion.

The fluid extract is employed to disguise the bad taste of medicines, having the remarkable power to convert the acrid flavour of bitter drugs. The powdered root is used in pill making, because of its absorbent qualities.

From early written manuscripts, through to modern day medicines, it has played a major role in fighting upper respiratory illness, Coughs, Laryngitis, Sore Throats and Bronchitis.

Found in Medicines, Cough Lozenges and Pastels you are very likely to consume it in many of the preparations made for coughs and colds.

It can be as effective as codeine when used as a cough suppressant. Has a high mucilage content which sooths irritated mucous membrane, and as an expectorant will loosen your cough.

With the Japanese using it to treat Hepatitis the Chinese to treat Jaundice & Malaria, it has many medical applications in the Far East. Because of its high nutritive qualities it is also taken as a tonic and is highly valued all over the world for its therapeutic benefits for many digestive problems.

A word of caution, Liquorice has wonderful qualities but excessive quantities could cause water retention, hypertension and raise the blood pressure, and above all it is a Laxative.

As with all good things, everything in moderation.

Above isonly a snapshot of the many medical conditions Liquorice is known to benefit. As it continues to evolve through time, cutting edge medicine is now looking at its use in;

Cancer treatments, with research being carried out in Scotland and America.
Clinical trials in Japan, into the treatment for AIDS.
Research showing it can be eaten safely by Diabetic patients.
Age related learning and memory loss, which Scientists in Scotland believe a drug derived from Liquorice can help.

And so it continues to grow.

The information above is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness, it is intended purely for information and an educational and information starting point.