Licorice has many uses (cosmetic and medicinal). In cosmetics works great as a skin brightening and for rashes and viral related dermatological problems, it is also soothing, also good for insect bites.

Medicinal uses: Licorice is rich in a compound called glycyrrhizic acid, which is a potent anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. This compound was found to have a transaminase lowering effect and it makes a wonderful treatment for viral hepatitis and it is also hepato-protector. Thus it is a plant great for liver related problems. It also works on other virus caused diseases like Kaposi's sarcoma. It is great for ulcer (gastric, duodenal) treatment as it kills Helicobacterium pylori. It contains phytoestrogens, thus may have effects on lowering testosterone and it needs to be used with care in the case of breast cancer (as this cancer is estrogen dependent). It is also anti-bacterial and works for both viral/bacterial upper respiratory problems and any type of viral infection including herpes and AIDS. It is also good for viral childhood diseases. It is an adjuvant for people undergoing hemodialysis, by preventing hyperkalemia. Licorice helps with age-related mental decline because it contains carbenoxolone. It also inhibits the production of the stress related hormones. It is also anti-oxidant and melanogenesis inhibitor.

Caution: do not use if high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes (as it is very sweet, rich in sugars), or when taking digoxin, when pregnant.

Products with licorice: Candy, capsules, teas, tinctures, salves, syrups. Preparations: capsules, teas, balms (salves), tinctures (root). For tea use 1 tbs. powdered licorice root in 1 cup of boiling water (let it step for 5 min). Drink after meals. It can also be used topically for skin infections and herpes/zoster blisters. For ulcers, capsules should be taken before meals. Liver Formula (tincture or capsules): licorice root, milk thistle, beet leaf, artichoke leaf; Immune formula (tincture or capsules): licorice, garlic, myrrh, oregon grape,goldenseal; Joint and muscle formula (tincture or capsules): cramp bark, licorice, passion flower, turmeric root, valerian, willow bark; Digestive formula (tincture or capsules): licorice, slippery elm, mint; Allergy formula (tincture or capsules): licorice, coleus, indian ipecac.