Botanically named as Glycyrrhiza glabra or Glyceria Glabra, licorice root, leaves or powder is a must-have in the monsoon for treating cold and dry cough.

When you think of licorice you probably think of a sweet red chewy candy stick, Due to its sweet flavor, licorice is also popular as a sweetener in candies, and manufacturers sometimes use it to mask the flavor of medications. Some licorice candy does not contain any part of the licorice plant but uses anise oil as a flavoring instead because it tastes and smells similar to licorice.

Licorice is available in many forms, including herbal teas, candies, capsules of dried herb, and liquid extract.

Traditional practitioners believe that licorice root can treat a number of health conditions, including bronchitis, constipation, heartburn, gastric ulcer, eczema, and menstrual cramps. Although licorice is generally safe to use, the over consumption can lead to severe side effects and even poisoning.

This traditional herb exhibits manifold benefits and is extensively used in several folk remedies and classical ayurvedic formulations to treat respiratory problems, obesity, skin infection, liver disorders, gastric problem, hormonal regulation, general debility, joint pain and many more.

• The root of licorice is known for its antihistamine properties and gives instant relief to asthmatic patients

• Its natural expectorant properties help in loosening the thick mucus and getting relief from membrane

• Several research papers worldwide vouch by its antioxidant, antiulcer properties that help in reducing inflammations

• The essential oil of licorice root exhibits anti-fungal, anti-cancerous properties

• It is a wonder root for those suffering from severe constipation. The powder is quite muco-protective and helps in healing fissures and acts as a laxative

• Stressed out? Consume licorice root or leaf extracts to stimulate your adrenaline gland for healthy levels of cortisol in your body

• Athimadhuram offers several beauty benefits too. The powder aids in good hair growth and treats dandruff. Just add 1 tsp of licorice root powder to your hair pack and wash it after an hour for that luscious hair

• The leaves of licorice provide instant relief from itchy, scaly skin. Grind the leaves of licorice into a paste and apply it on the affected area. Wash it after 15 minutes for relief from itchy skin

• The skin pigmentation gradually reduces with regular use of licorice leaves paste on the affected area

• The beauty industry also uses licorice in manufacturing of face packs, face masks. Licorice works as an amazing facial cleanser and it antibacterial and moisturizing properties leaves the skin smooth and shiny

Licorice root is classified as a dietary supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As such, it is not required to undergo the rigorous testing that pharmaceutical drugs do and can vary in quality from one brand to the next

Licorice is an ancient remedy that has demonstrated some potential health benefits in clinical studies and laboratory tests. While it may be beneficial for certain health conditions, people should always check with a healthcare professional that it will not interfere with any medications or cause adverse side effects.