The Italian Regolizia, the German Lacrisse or Lakriz, the Welsh Lacris and the French Reglisse have the same origin. Licorice has a long and honorable history in the service of mankind. The earliest usage of Licorice was back in the first syllables of recorded time. Licorice freaks throughout history have included Pharoahs and Prophets. Alexander the Great, the Scythian armies, Roman Emporer Ceaser, and even India's great prophet, Brahma, are on record endorsing the beneficial properties contained in Licorice.
Natural licorice can be effective medicine.
For over 3000 years, licorice root has been used as a remedy for peptic ulcers, sore throats and coughs in eastern and western medicine. Licorice root has been used since the third century BC to help dissipate coughs. Licorice is official in all pharmacopoeias, which differ as to the variety or varieties recognized, as to the botanical name employed and as to the drug being peeled or unpeeled, dried Licorice root being supplied in commerce either with or without the thin brown coat. In the latter state it is known as peeled or decorticated. Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbs in Western herbal medicine and has a very long history of use, both as a medicine and also as a flavoring to disguise the unpleasant flavor of other medications.