Liquorice

Botanical name - Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family - Papilionacea

A perennial plant of about 6 feet height grown for the sweet taproot that grows to a depth of four feet. This root is a demulcent and gentle relaxant, soothing to mucous irritations. Besides treating ulcers along the digestive tract, including the mouth, liquorice may be used for viral infections like a cold, inflammation as in arthritis, menstrual and menopause disorders, herpes, eczema and psoriasis, allergic disorders, asthma, chronic fatigue, depression due to hormonal imbalance, emphysema, and hypoglycemia. Liquorice is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.