Liquorice can be used in its root form, as an extract, or as a candy. Liquorice roots contain dried rhizomes. Boiling the liquorice root and extracting the remains, which when solidified, make the liquorice extract found in our imported liquorice products. These days, liquorice root is best known for its use in flavouring confectionery. This is no surprise, as liquorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which is 30-50 fifty times sweeter than sugar.
This same super-sweet substance is now scientifically recognised for its medicinal value and health benefits. In fact, liquorice was dubbed the “Medicinal plant of 2012”. Several research studies published in the past few years have hailed liquorice as a remedial substance for ailments such as inflammatory stomach conditions, indigestion, sore throat, and recently even diabetes.