Glycyrrhiza glabra , licorice One of the most widely used herbs throughout the world, liquorice is regarded by herbalists as a harmoniser or balancing agent. It certainly improves the flavour of herbal compounds but its properties extend much further than flavouring. The herb has a mineralcorticoid effect and can cause oedema and hypertension in some people. The popular liquorice stick candies are of little use therapeutically, since the percentage of liquorice is small while the sugar content is high. Pure liquorice root can be obtained in bulk , it has a distinct yellow colour due to its flavonoid content.
Manufacturers use thick liquorice concentrates which are included into a wide range of products.
Liquorice should not be used over long times unless under supervision of a practitioner. This list by no means covers all herbs which are used in hepatitis, a second group will be covered in a future edition. For those wishing to take a course of herbal treatments it is important that a qualified herbalist be contacted. The Yoga of Herbs, an Ayurvedic guide to herbal medicine . Chinese medicinal plants used against hepatitis.