Licorice root medicinal herb can treat fertility problems

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) medicinal herb is a plant that has been used for centuries to promote health. It is known for its benefits to the immune system. It has been used by traditional herbalists as a general tonic and as well as a respiratory support.  It is native to Europe, Australia, North America, South America and also Asia.  It is from the Papilionaceae family and the main parts used as herbal medicine are the dried roots.

It is written that it is one of the most popular herbal remedies in the world and that only ginger is used more often than this herb. Traditional Chinese medicine use it in most Chinese herb combinations.

The common names are Liquorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Sweet wood, Mulathi, Yashtimadhu, Chinese licorice as well as Sweetwort.   The medicinal properties are demulcent, tonic, emollient, laxative, antioxidant and hormone regulator. Hippocrates was educated by the Africans in regards to this plant and it was used to treat and cure diabetes and dropsy.

Estrogen hormone, the female hormone is found in this root and this discovery was published in the June issue of the Science Digest in the year 1950.  Other constituents are glycrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, flavonoids and resin licorcone.

Health benefits of licorice root

Experiments in Denmark showed it to be effective in treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers. It is useful in treating constipation, asthma,  dry coughs, herpes, polycystics, ovary, bronchitis, arthritis and hepatitis c.

In India, liquorice root is used to purify and increase the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Liquorice is used in cough drops, candies, flavoring for root beer, ale, and soy sauce and many more, too numerous to mention at this time.  Thousands of people, including myself, can relate to the cough drops.  They are very soothing to the throat and can alleviate coughing that is associated with respiratory conditions.

It is said that even chewing on a piece on a chip root at the beginning of a meal is very beneficial, as it activates salivary glands in the mouth.  The root can be used to prevent hair loss, especially in men. It can bar the formation of DHT while at the same time aid in preventing prostate enlargement.  Extract from the root will eradicate acne in no time.  This remedy has been utilized for thousand of years.

It is great to enhance the immune system and so it has the ability to decrease inflammation of the sinuses.  It is also used to treat ulcers.  Licorice as well as peppermint are deemed to aid in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Some of the symptoms of GERD are heartburn, laryngitis, coughing, asthma as well as bad breath.

With its antioxidant properties it is very competent to combat viruses as well as aiding the body to produce antibodies.  It can be a part of herbal combination to cleanse and purify the liver.  To make this herbal combination, mix dandelion root, yellow dock root, red sage, sarsaparilla, hyssop, pau de arco, milk thistle seed, parsley leaf and of course licorice root.

Licorice Cough Syrup

• 2 teaspoons fenugreek
• 2 teaspoons flax seeds
• 1 ounce licorice root
• quarter pound raisins
• 1 pound pure unfiltered honey
• 1 quart spring water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Simmer all ingredients, except lemon juice and honey. Simmer down slowly to one pint, strain by pressing through strainer with wooden spoon. Add honey and lemon juice, simmering slowly until honey is fully blended. Bottle in dark bottle. Never use plastic or aluminum utensils; use only glass, enamel, or stainless steel to make licorice root cough syrup.

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