Licorice Fights Viral, Inflammatory Conditions

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, most herbal remedies contain between three and 15 herbs, each performing a specific function. Most of these remedies contain a small dose of licorice, an herb with many of medicinal properties.

In Traditional Chinese formulas, licorice is used as a harmonizer, which means that a small dose is included in the formula to improve the effectiveness of the formula as a whole.

Perhaps this use is due to licorice's healing effect on the stomach. Recent studies suggest that licorice performs as well as anti-ulcer medications in relieving pain and preventing ulcers from recurring. When licorice root liquid extract was used to treat 100 patients with stomach ulcers, 90 percent improved. An Irish study attributed this to licorice's stimulation of mucous glands in the stomach.

Licorice also prevents inflammation throughout the body. First, glycyrrhizin, which gives licorice its sweet flavor, is an anti-inflammatory agent that works on the lungs, the bowels and the skin. In addition, licorice increases the amount of time that cortisol circulates throughout the body, an adrenal hormone that also has anti-inflammatory effects.

Licorice is also a powerful anti-viral herb. Studies have shown that intravenous licorice can prevent replication of the HIV virus, other studies show that it prevents encephalitis, hepatitis A and B, SARS, and herpes.

I know that it sounds fantastic, but licorice must be used with CAUTION. Individuals who have high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart, liver or kidney problems SHOULD NOT take licorice. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding SHOULD NOT take licorice.

Licorice interacts with some drugs, including birth control pills, digoxin, aspirin, insulin, ACE inhibitors, and more. If you are taking prescription medication, consult your doctor before taking medicinal dosages of licorice.

Oh, and don't take it continuously for longer than four to six weeks.

The best part about licorice - it's delicious! Enjoy the sweet taste in good health.