Licorice Root: The licorice plant is a native to southern Europe and central Asia. It gets its common name from a Greek word meaning "sweet root," an appropriate description for the herb that is said to be 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years and it is still prized today for its healing powers in contemporary Chinese medicine. In fact, it is the second most prescribed herb in China, exceeding only by the powers of ginseng. Glycyrrhizin, one of the main components found in licorice, is believed to be responsible for many of its therapeutic properties. However, there are other potentially healing substances that have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids. Licorice root also seems to support the adrenal glands -- making these adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body's primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone) more available to the body. As such, licorice may help lessen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia by enhancing cortisol activity. Licorice root also contains various flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.Some experts point out that one -- among the arsenal of benefits of licorice root is that it's an excellent liver tonic. Lastly, licorice is considered a "harmonizing" herb, which means when used in a formula licorice can enhance other herbs to work more effectively.
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