Liquorice root, which is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, comes from the root of the liquorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Medicinal use of liquorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for pharaohs. Today, many people utilize licorice root to treat ailments like indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, hot flashes, coughs, and bacterial and viral infections. Additionally, liquorice tea is said to soothe sore throats.
While it contains hundreds of plant compounds, liquorice root’s primary active compound is glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin is responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
