Liquorice

Liquorice is obtained from the root of the glycyrrhiza glabra.ait grows wild in many countries, and is cultivated in some parts of england, as pontefract, etcetera. Its virtues are very great. It is the principal constituent part in spanish juice, or spanish liquorice.

Its demulcent properties render it very useful in coughs and bronchial irritation, and in some stomach complaints, arising from a deficiency of the natural mucus which should defend the stomach against the acrimony of the food, and the fluids secreted in it. It is also used in heartburn, and may be taken in considerable quantities without disordering the stomach, or causing thirst. The pontefract cakes, lozenges, and bath-pipe, are very useful in coughs, shortness of breath, and hoarseness.

Liquorice also works gently by urine, and is very soothing to ulcerated kidneys or urinary passages. The extract is employed to cover the taste of nauseous drugs, as aloes, etcetra. The powdered root is much used.