VETERINARY HERBAL MEDICINE - Denes Natural Pet Care
VETERINARY HERBAL MEDICINE - Denes Natural Pet Care
VETERINARY HERBAL MEDICINE - Denes Natural Pet Care
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<strong>VETERINARY</strong> HERB PROFILES<br />
LIQUORICE<br />
Glycyrrhiza glabra<br />
Background<br />
Liquorice is an ancient perennial herb whose properties were known to the Assyrians<br />
and Egyptians. Now widely cultivated now for medicinal and commercial use, it is<br />
native to Southern Europe as well as Western and Central Asia. It was once grown in<br />
the UK in the Pontefract region of Yorkshire but today all supplies of liquorice in the<br />
UK are imported. The earliest reported veterinary use dates back to the 17 th century.<br />
As a herbal remedy, it has a wide number of applications and one of a small number<br />
of herbs which have an action upon the endocrine system. This is chiefly because<br />
some of its constituents have chemical structures which resemble the natural<br />
steroids found in the body.<br />
Parts used<br />
Dried root.<br />
Constituents<br />
• Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid (glycosides)<br />
• Saponins<br />
• Flavonoides<br />
• Volatile oil<br />
• Coumarins<br />
• Asparagine<br />
• Oestrogenic like substances<br />
• Essential oil<br />
• Tannins<br />
Medicinal actions<br />
• Expectorant<br />
Liquorice is commonly used to help treat respiratory problems. As an expectorant it<br />
will help loosen bronchial secretions and is of great value in treating catarrh,<br />
coughs and bronchitis.<br />
• Laxative<br />
The mild laxative properties of liquorice make it an ideal remedy to help with some<br />
types of constipation.<br />
• Anti-spasmodic<br />
Liquorice can be used in the treatment and prevention of abdominal colic where it<br />
is of benefit in helping to relieve pain.<br />
• Demulcent<br />
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