Licorice is a perennial herb which has been consumed in cooking and traditional medicine for a long time. Licorice is considered a natural sweetener and flavoring.
Licorice uses are various due to its special properties. It is used as a natural flavoring and sweetener in confectionery and chocolate industry. There is a component in licorice called glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice also generates a traditional, herbal flavor in these products.
Licorice uses in tobacco have been very popular for several reasons. Licorice maintains moisture in tobacco and prevents its dryness. This plant gives pleasant and sweet flavor to the tobacco products, due to existence of glycyrrhizin in licorice, it creates a sweet taste.
According to Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Company’s studies, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant elements in licorice, has made it a popular herb in cosmetics. It is used in creams, topical gels and ointments to treat skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, redness on skin surface and other skin problems. It keeps the skin surface clean, so it prevents infection.
As a non-artificial flavoring and sweetener, licorice uses in a vast variety of food products are well-known. Pastilles, ice cream, jellies, condiments, chewing gum, sauces, herbal tea, syrup, soft drinks, beer and alcoholic drinks are among these products.
Licorice in medicinal industry is consumed in syrups, capsules and pills, creams, topical gels and ointment, lozenges for sore throat, toothpastes and other forms of drugs.
In traditional medicine and herbalism, licorice has got a prominent place. It has been used as an herbal remedy to treat stomach disorders, inflammation, peptic ulcers, sore throat, eczema, psoriasis and other diseases.
Licorice is generally considered as a safe food ingredient as long as it is used at standard level. Individuals who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, liver and kidney problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who had a stroke or heart attack, should consult with their doctor about using licorice and it is better to limit licorice usage.
Reference:iranlicorice.com
