Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Liquorice root is one of the ingredients in Digestion+ Powder

Introduction

Liquorice is an ancient perennial herb whose properties were known to the Assyrians and Egyptians. It is native to southern Europe as well as Western and Central Asia. It is widely cultivated for medicinal and commercial use and in particular, used in making confectionery. Once grown in the UK in the Pontefract region of Yorkshire, today all supplies of liquorice in the UK are imported.

As a herb it has a wide number of applications and is one of a small number of herbs which have an action upon the endocrine system. This is chiefly because some of its constituents have chemical structures that resemble the natural steroidal compounds found in the body. The earliest reported veterinary use dates back to the 17^th century but is was a frequent constituent of some of the herbal concoctions used to treat horses up until the early part of the 1900’s.

How Liquorice can help dogs and cats

One of the main uses of liquorice is in treating stomach ulceration. This is due to its action as a soothing demulcent. This effect can be put to good use along the whole length of the digestive tract making this remedy ideal to use in treating vomiting (gastritis), colitis and some forms of diarrhoea. Liquorice is also reputed to lower stomach pH
Liquorice is often used as an expectorant and is commonly prescribed to help treat respiratory problems. It will help loosen bronchial secretions and so is of value in treating catarrh, coughs and bronchitis as well as some types of asthma
Liquorice is also a mild antispasmodic and can be used in the treatment and prevention of abdominal colic where it is of benefit in relieving pain
As a tonic, Liquorice can be used to help strengthen the body and assist recovery where exhaustion has been a problem

Basic indications for using Liquorice

Vomiting
Gastritis
Colitis & IBD
Diarrhoea
Abdominal colic
Mild constipation
Coughs
Bronchitis
Catarrh

How Denes can help

Liquorice root is an ingredient in Denes Digestion+ Powder together with Marshmallow root, Agrimony, Peppermint leaf, Ginger root, Slippery Elm and Kaolin.

Denes Digestion+ Powder is a traditional herbal food supplement formulated to help support the digestive system, soothing the lining of the bowel and firming stools.

Other useful fact sheets