Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) used in food and medicine for thousands of years. also known as “sweet root,” licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar. Liquorice root 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.

Licorice that has the active ingredient of glycyrrhiza can have serious side effects. Another type of licorice, called DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, does not seem to have the same side effects and is sometimes used to treat peptic ulcers, canker sores, and reflux (GERD). Practitioners still sometimes suggest whole licorice for cough, asthma, and other breathing problems. Topical preparations used for eczema and other skin problems.

Licorice Blocks