What we think of as "licorice" flavor is actually anise; licorice itself tastes very sweet and musty. Traditionally, the dried root has also been used for sore throat and laryngitis as well as inflammation of the urinary and intestinal tracts. The Chinese use it for arthritis because it contains saponins, which are anti-inflammatory chemicals that act like steroids.  It is anti-allergic, anti-viral, and makes a great tea for colds and bronchitis. It is also absolutely fantastic for acid reflux.

Licorice is considered an expectorant, diuretic, anti inflammatory, and is soothing to irritated mucous membranes; it is used in the treatment of inflamed lungs, as well as for gastric and duodenal ulcers. Its cough-suppressant activity resembles that of codeine. Licorice root has been shown to be as good as codeine for stopping unproductive coughs and helps to bring up phlegm. It speeds healing of gastric ulcers in part by increasing secretions from the gastric mucosa. Glycyrrhizin is believed to be the primary active constituent, though other components of licorice contribute to its biological activity. Glycyrrhizin is fifty times as sweet as sugar and is found in licorice at concentrations of up to 25 percent. Good-quality licorice should contain at least 4 percent glycyrrhizin.

Licorice is one of the better-studied herbs. Numerous pharmacological and clinical reports confirm its usefulness in treating ulcers and support its reputation as a cough suppressant and expectorant. The German government allows licorice preparations to be used for the supportive treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers and for congestion of the upper respiratory tract.

This herb has been used for thousands of years all over the world and has very low toxicity, but don't use this herb if you have high blood pressure or if you are sensitive to estrogen.