Licorice puts the fire out of heartburn,stomach and intestinal ulcers. It is as effective as the popular antacids, however, licorice does not carry the side effects of constipation, diarrhea or the risk of kidney damage associated with antacids that contain alot of calcium. Licorice has been found to even treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease); the most severe form of heartburn. Placing a licorice tea bag over annoying and painful canker sores helps to heal them.
It is important that the type of licori
ce used be deglycyrrhizinic acid, meaning the glycyrrhizinic acid has been removed. Glycyrrhizinic acid has been linked to blood pressure problems. Research has found that the deglycrrhizinic licorice builds a protective mucous barrier within the digestive lining, protecting it from the acid backwash that causes heartburn. This herb is also thought to block prostaglandins in the stomach, which permits the stomach lining to repair itself and symptoms to go away.
Incidentally, the black licorice candy is not a good source of licorice, since it has sugar and is flavored with anise oil. Do not take licorice if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Due to the powerful phytonutrients in licorice, it is important to take a five – day break from a steady diet of licorice every three to four weeks.