Botanical name for liquorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra
Liquorice is a herb obtained from the roots of the plant
Known as the "Blue Flowering Snow Pea' plant grown in and around areas such as parts of China, Iran Iraq and Pakistan
Member of the Legume family
Liquorice is 50 times sweeter than sugar, so sweet it is bitter.

Chinese have termed Liquorice 'the great harmoniser' claiming that it blends and balances the effects of all herbs in a formula
Nearly two-thirds of all traditional formulas in Chinese Medicine contain Liquorice
In China today, liquorice is still the second most prescribed medicinal herb, behind Ginseng
Hippocrates in the 4th century BC recommended liquorice for the treatment of ulcers
Discoides a famous herbalist and surgeon who travelled with Nero's armies in the 1st century AD, found that Liquorice could be used to treat wounds and skin disease
Liquorice roots have been found in the tombs of the Pharaohs attesting to the great respect for it's healing abilities
One saying of an Arab Physician and philosopher, Avicenna is "the infused liquorice purifies the voice and the trachea, and is useful in disorders and diets"
The major active ingredient glycyrrhizin was isolated and shown to have a cortisone-like action which explains its remarkable ability to reduce inflammation and speed the healing of ulcerated tissue
Glycyrrhizin contains a similar chemical structure to that of human steroid hormones
Today, naturopaths prescribe liquorice for external ulcerous conditions such as burns, eczema and urticaria (which is swelling induced by poisonous plants or allergic reactions) and for internal ulcerous conditions such as bronchitis, sore throat and upper respiratory and gastro-intestinal tract infections
Liquorice is currently being used in the research and treatment of hepatitis and HIV
The use of Liquorice for urinary tract irritations is helpful by reducing the irritation and to speed healing plus helping to prevent the recurrence of the infection
Liquorice can be used to counteract the side effects of steroid treatments and to prevent joint degeneration
Excess consumption can raise blood pressure. Like all things, everything in moderation creates a balance in life.
Is liquorice carcinogenic? No, it is the natural colouring sometimes used in liquorice that was deemed to be carcinogenic. RJ's do not use this colour