Licorice is an herb that grows in parts of Europe and Asia. The root is used as medicine. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which is also called glycyrrhizic acid. Glycyrrhizin can cause adverse effects when eaten in large quantities.
Many “licorice” products manufactured in the U.S. actually don’t contain any licorice. Instead, they contain anise oil, which has the characteristic smell and taste of “black licorice”.
Licorice is used for eczema, swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis), mouth sores, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Licorice is also used to flavor foods, beverages, and tobacco products.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Some experts warn that licorice may interfere with the body’s response against COVID-19. There is no strong data to support this warning. But there is also no good data to support using licorice for COVID-19. Follow healthy lifestyle choices and proven prevention methods instead.
How does it work ?
The chemicals contained in licorice are thought to decrease swelling, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase the chemicals in our body that heal ulcers.
