The root has a sweet constituent. The name liquorice is derived from a Greek name meaning ‘sweet root’. Liquorice root is one of the oldest and most frequently used medicinal herbs in the history of Chines medicine.
Liquorice is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions and ailments. It is felt to benefit Qi , reduce "Fire Poison" (sore throat, skin eruptions), and diminish "Heat."
Specific conditions treated by Chinese herbalists include gastric and duodenal ulcers, abdominal pain, pharyngitis, malaria, tuberculosis, abscesses and sores.
It also increases secretions, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, used to treat respiratory catarrh, chronic gastritis, and to harmonize the flavors.
Long term use in high dose may lead to liquorice intoxication: its mineral corticoid effects cause sodium and water retention, decrease potassium, hypertension, edema, heart complaints, in some cases myoglobinuria.
In 2008, The European Commission suggested that intake of glycyrrhiza acid should be restricted to below 100 mg/day to avoid a rise in blood pressure, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, and lowering of testosterone levels in men.
Liquorice in Chinese medicine
