What Are The Medicinal Uses Of Licorice Root?

Licorice is known as the main ingredient in a prized candy, but not many know that this plant has excellent medicinal uses.  Licorice is expectorant, demulcent, and laxative.  It is best used for congestion, intestinal complaints (including upper G.I. ulcers), and constipation.

Licorice is easy to take, because all one need do is chew the root.  Take a piece up to 3 inches long as needed and macerate until relief is obtained.  

This sweet herb is often added to bitter medicinal syrups to make them palatable.  It has a mild laxative effect, especially in the very young and the very old, so care should be taken in administering licorice to them.  Those with high blood pressure and those who take steroid-based medicine should avoid licorice all together.