Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herb with flavor, that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years.

Known as “sweet root,” licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar! Small wonder that it is called as ATHI MADHURAM in Tamil!

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.

This herb has long been valued as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) and expectorant (rids phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract). It is still used today for a variety of conditions, although not all its uses are supported by scientific evidence.

Licorice with the active ingredient of glycyrrhiza can have serious side effects. Another type of licorice, called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), doesn’t seem to have the same side effects and is sometimes used to treat peptic ulcers and canker sores.

Whole licorice is still sometimes suggested for cough, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Topical preparations are used for eczema and other skin problems.