It has been used for coughs, sore throat, asthma, stomach and duodenal ulcers, hepatitis, hysteria and food poisoning. It is also known to be a good antioxidant. It is a popular and well-known remedy for coughs, consumption, and chest complaints generally most notably bronchitis, and is an ingredients in almost all popular cough medicines on account of its valuable soothing properties. Beneficial for hypoglycemia, bronchitis, colitis, diverticulosis, gastritis, stress, colds, nausea, and inflammation. Cleanses the colon, promotes adrenal gland function, decreases muscle or skeletal spasms, and increases the fluidity of mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes.
Studies show licorice root stimulates the production of interferon.
This helps to explain its anti-inflammatory action and also its role in stimulating the adrenal cortex after steroid therapy. The root can help heal gastric ulceration and is also a potent expectorant. Liquorice is one of a group of plants that have a marked effect upon the endocrine system. The glycosides present have a structure that is similar to the natural steroids of the body. They explain the beneficial action that liquorice has in the treatment of adrenal gland problems such as Addison's disease.