Liquorice (Jastimadhu)

Botanically it is called Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a tall erect herb that may rise up to 1.5 m high. Leaves are compound containing leaflets in 4 to 7 pairs. The flowers are like lilac, small the fruits are 1.3 cm long, flat, densely covered allover with small spinous outgrowths. The rootstock gives numerous additional roots. The plant is grown in Kashmir, Debra Dun, Delhi etc.

The dried roots and underground stems of this plant constitute the drug. Liquorice is a house-hold remedy for coughs and cold, bronchitis, fevers, abdominal pains, consumption and epilepsy. It is also given in urinary and kidney disorders. The powder or small pieces of the drug are commonly taken with betel leaves. Liquorice is largely used in making syrup. It is also useful in gastric or peptic ulcers.

Benefit and uses of Liquorice.

• The liquorice root as beneficial in the treatment of coughs, colds, and other bronchial irritations.
• It is suggested for treatment of the spleen, liver and kidney. The use a licorice preparation to treat hepatitis.
• Creams containing whole liquorice can be used to treat Eczema, Psoriasis, and Herpes.
• Liquorice is used in allopathic medicine as a treatment for peptic ulceration, a similar use to its herbal use in gastritis and ulcers. It can be used in the relief of abdominal colic.
• It is especially beneficial to smokers because of the anti-inflammatory action.
• It can help fight inflammation, viruses, ulcers and even cancer.