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Licorice Root is one of the most popular and widely consumed herbs in the world. The Egyptians and the Greeks recognized the herb's benefits in treating coughs and lung disease. Licorice was so valued in ancient Egypt that even King Tutankhamen was buried with a supply. Licorice is the second most prescribed herb in China, where it is suggested for treatment of the spleen, liver and kidney. The Japanese use a Licorice preparation to treat hepatitis. At one time in Germany, Licorice was a more popular gift to give than chocolate as it was reputed to sexually arouse women. The most common medical use for Licorice Root is for treating upper respiratory ailments including coughs, hoarseness, sore throat, and bronchitis. The main constituent found in the root is glycyrrhizin. The plant also contains various sugars, starches, flavonoids, saponoids, sterols, amino acids, gums, and essential oil. Glycyrrhizin stimulates the secretion of the adrenal cortex hormone "aldosterone". This herb can be as effective as codeine, and safer, when used as a cough suppressant. Rhizomes in Licorice have a high mucilage content which, when mixed with water or used in cough drops, sooths irritated mucous membranes. The use of Licorice also has an expectorant effect which increases the secretion of the bronchial glands. Today, herbal preparations containing Licorice Root are used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, lower acid levels and coat the stomach wall with a protective gel. It has also been known to relieve rheumatism and arthritis, regulate low blood sugar, and is effective for Addison's disease. The Root extract produces mild estrogenic effects, and it has proven useful in treating symptoms of menopause, regulating menstruation, and relieving menstrual cramps. |
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Marshmallow is a native of most countries of Europe, from Denmark southward, and is found in the western U.S. It grows in salt marshes, in damp meadows, by the sides of ditches, by the sea, and on the banks of tidal rivers. Marshmallow has been utilized for thousands of years for its healing properties as an herbal remedy. Primary chemical constituents of Marshmallow include mucilage, polysaccharides, flavonoids, asparagine, tannins, lecithin, and pectin. The great demulcent and emollient properties of Marshmallow make it useful in inflammation and irritation of the alimentary canal, and of the urinary and respiratory organs. Recently, Marshmallow has been used as an expectorant to treat a variety of upper respiratory problems. Marshmallow contains large amounts of vitamin A, calcium, zinc and significant amounts of iron, sodium, iodine, and B-complex. Like slippery elm, Marshmallow reduces inflammation and has a calming effect on the body. The active constituents in Marshmallow are large carbohydrate molecules, which make up the mucilage. This smooth, slippery substance can soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes. Although Marshmallow has primarily been used for the respiratory and digestive tracts, its high mucilage content may also provide some minor relief for urinary tract and skin infections. Marshmallow's mucilage content helps soothe inflamed tissues, often caused by bronchitis and asthma. Marshmallow also relieves dryness and irritation in the chest and throat, usually brought on by colds and persistent coughs. Marshmallow has been known to relieve indigestion, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and even external skin wounds such as boils and abscesses. |
