Licorice

Licorice has long been used as a flavoring in many areas of the world. Licorice root is the most frequently used part of the plant, and the plant itself is actually a legume similar to beans and peas. Although in North America licorice is the typical spelling of this candy, flavoring and extract, in most European countries it is spelled differently, liquorice, although it is pronounced the same.

The benefits of licorice are that it is used to help relieve chest congestion and is one of the most effective natural expectorants. Many commercial cough syrups contain licorice extract, giving the familiar licorice taste. It is also effective in treating canker sores in the mouth and ulcers within the stomach. Consuming too much licorice can result in digestive disorders and possible highly elevated blood pressure, so it is not advisable to use natural or prescription licorice herbal or prescription medications if you have a heart problem or hypertension. In addition herbal preparations such as licorice tea can be used to help relieve chest congestion or sooth the digestive tract. One possible recommendation for stomach upset is Choice organic licorice peppermint tea, blended to provide digestive relieve and help with soothing stomach ulcers.

The reason that licorice is so effective in blocking problems with stomach acid is because it contains over 22 different flavonoids. The problems encountered with licorice, the water retention and high blood pressure mentioned above, are because of the compound glycyrrhizin. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (dgl) has actually had that one specific compound removed, without impacting the effect of the other beneficial compounds. Dgl licorice is safe for consumption and the concerns with hypertension and water retention are not an issue.

In cooking, licorice root sticks can be used as a flavoring in making licorice candy. Typically licorice candy is either black licorice or red licorice, both which have a distinctive flavor. Black licorice tends to be more tart and salty, whereas red licorice is sweeter and more fruity in flavor. A licorice recipe may call for the use of either the candy or the actual licorice root or root stick, depending on the type of cooking. Kookaburra liquorice offers a wide selection of various types of licorice candy and is available over the internet.