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Origins -

Licorice is obtained from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, renowned for its longstanding health advantages.

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Earliest mention -

Licorice has a long history and was used in ancient societies such as Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and Hindu civilizations. The earliest Chinese materia medica book, called the "Sheng-nung Pen-ts'ao Ching," from around 2300 BCE, includes an entry describing licorice as a mystical plant capable of restoring vitality in elderly men.

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Where does it grow? -

The plant known as Glycyrrhiza glabra can be found growing across a region stretching from North Africa all the way to China, passing through the Middle East. This image shows the process of harvesting licorice root in Aleppo, Syria, back in 1900.

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Licorice and King Tut -

The tomb of King Tutankhamun contained licorice root, but the purpose remains unknown. Howard Carter and his colleagues in 1922 are shown removing objects from the tomb's antechamber.

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A favorite with famous figures -

In addition to Tutankhamun, licorice was favored by Alexander the Great. He instructed his soldiers to chew the roots for their health and hydration. Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte were also fans, with Napoleon using the root for dental hygiene.

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Medieval appeal -

The medicinal advantages of licorice root were widely recognized by ancient societies. European apothecaries in the medieval era also acknowledged its healing properties. They marketed bottled licorice juice as a remedy for various illnesses, infections, and disorders, making it popular throughout the continent during that time.

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Licorice beverage -

The public found licorice juice to be popular, whether used for pleasure or as a medical remedy. It successfully alleviated stomach discomfort and helped to clean the respiratory system.

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Licorice cake -

Over time, licorice became utilized for sweetening breads and cakes, and was manufactured in various shapes and sizes as a delightful candy.

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Zan licorice sticks -

Zan, a popular licorice candy brand from early 19th-century France, was well-liked for its black stick form. Its taste was commonly enriched with anise and occasionally a hint of menthol as well.

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Figaro licorice sticks -

Licorice sticks, including the well-liked Spanish brand Figaro, had reached the United States by the end of the 19th century.

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Ga-Jol -

Soft licorice sticks were originally sold as candy, but gradually products like Ga-Jol, introduced in 1933, gained popularity as a convenient remedy for soothing a hoarse throat and cough.

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What are the health benefits of licorice? -

What are the health advantages of licorice? And what are the potential dangers?

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Licorice root -

The primary active compound in licorice root is glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for the root's sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

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Licorice root extract -

Licorice root has medicinal properties that can effectively treat coughs as well as bacterial and viral infections.

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Other treatments -

Licorice root extract is used to address different skin issues, such as acne and eczema.

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More benefits -

Licorice root extract may provide relief for the distressing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as acid reflux and heartburn.

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Risks -

Excessive consumption of glycyrrhizin, found in licorice roots, is associated with several adverse effects. These include high blood pressure, decreased potassium levels, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, as well as severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

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DGL -

To address the negative health impacts, certain products use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), where the glycyrrhizin has been removed. Licorice root supplements (shown in the picture) are commonly marketed as DGL.

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Licorice capsules -

DGL can also be ingested in capsule form, but it is crucial for individuals to avoid consuming excessive quantities of licorice in both food and supplement formats.

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WHO advice -

You can refer to the guidance of the World Health Organization if you have any concerns. According to them, consuming up to 100 milligrams of glycyrrhizin per day is generally safe for most adults and is not expected to have any negative effects.

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Licorice infusion -

This implies that you can occasionally indulge in a cup of licorice root tea, a well-known homemade solution for soothing an upset stomach.

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Licorice as a sweet -

Black licorice, a delightful treat that contains glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, and liquiritin, is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sweetness. Glycyrrhizin is approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar!

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Various sizes and forms -

Licorice candy is available in different forms such as wheels (shown), laces, twists, cakes, and the aforementioned sticks, among other shapes.

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Licorice allsorts -

One of the most recognized kinds of licorice candies is the liquorice allsort (with "licorice" written in British English). This assorted licorice confection was first produced in Sheffield, England in 1899 by by Geo. Bassett & Co Ltd.

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Bertie Bassett -

Bertie Bassett, the iconic liquorice allsorts figure and mascot of Bassett's company, is observed in this image joyfully dancing with ballerinas from the English National Ballet during a promotional event. Bertie's presence has firmly embedded itself within British popular culture.

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Dutch drop -

Licorice is highly popular around the world. In the Netherlands, "drop" (the Dutch term for licorice) accounts for over 20% of candy sales.

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Salty licorice -

In Germany, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries, there is a type of licorice confectionery called "salmiak" or "salmiakki" that is flavored with ammonium chloride, giving it a salty taste.

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Anise plant -

It is important to be aware that some licorice candies may not actually contain licorice root, but instead, they are flavored with anise oil, which is derived from the anise plant. This oil has a similar taste to licorice. To ensure you are getting genuine licorice candies, it is advised to carefully read the label before purchasing.

Sources: (Toms) (Comparative Medicine East and West) (Candy Club) (Healthline) (Medical News Today) (FAO/WHO) (Candy Funhouse) (The Spruce Eats)

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