Leguminosae Alterative Liquorice

Leguminosae Alterative Liquorice
Family:Leguminosae Alterative; Antiinflammatory; Antispasmodic; Demulcent; Diuretic; Emollient; Expectorant; Laxative; Pectoral; Tonic.
Common name:Liquorice
Liquorice his one of the most commonly used herbs in Western herbal medicine and has a very long history of use both as a medicine and also as a flavouring to disguise the unpleasant flavour of other medications. It is a very sweet moist soothing herb that detoxifies and protects the liver and is also powerfully anti-inflammatory being used in conditions as varied as arthritis and mouth ulcers.The root is alterative antispasmodic demulcent diuretic emollient expectorant laxative moderately pectoral and tonic. The root has also been shown to have a hormonal effect similar to the ovarian hormone. Liquorice root is much used in cough medicines and also in the treatment of catarrhal infections of the urinary tract. It is taken internally in the treatment of Addison's disease asthma bronchitis coughs peptic ulcer arthritis allergic complaints and following steroidal therapy. It should be used in moderation and should not be prescribed for pregnant women or people with high blood pressure kidney disease or taking digoxin-based medication. Prolonged usage raises the blood pressure and causes water retention. See also the notes above on toxicity.Externally the root is used in the treatment of herpes eczema and shingles.The root is harvested in the autumn when 3 - 4 years old and is dried for later use.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 04:04 []