Licorice Root

LICORICE ROOT - Glycyrrhiza glabra (GLYKORIZA) - Legume FamilyCommon names: liquorice, sweetroot, sweetwood, black sugarHISTORY OF USELicorice has been a primary herb in both Chinese and western herbal traditions, dating back over 5,000 years to ancient times. It was found preserved in the tomb of King Tut and in other Egyptian Pharaohs’ tombs. It was known as “Sweet Root” which is what its botanical name means (glukos is Greek for sweet, and riza means root). The glyccyrrhizic acid in licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar, and it does not raise blood sugar, therefore it is safe for diabetics and hypoglycemic to use. It is commonly used in tea blends that would otherwise taste bitter or pungent. It was thought in Chinese herbal tradition to harmonize the different aspects of a blend, and bring out the medicinal action of the other herbs.  CULINARY USELicorice is known mostly as a confectionery flavoring. Ninety percent of all natural licorice employed as a flavoring agent is use