liver health and licorice root

According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 25 million American suffer from liver and gallbladder diseases. At present, there are few treatments that provide an effective change in these conditions, leaving many Americans to suffer, often, life threatening complications.
Because the liver is a vital organ to the human body, breaking down substances and working as a detoxification system, individuals who suffer from liver disease, such as hepatitis, may want to consider natural healing options. Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ) is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease. Licorice grows wild in some parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice roots are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside. Licorice both protects the liver and promotes healing in this vital organ. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties help calm hepatitis-associated liver inflammation. Licorice also fights the virus commonly responsible for hepatitis and supplies valuable antioxidant compounds that help maintain the overall health of the liver. Licorice helps the body clear viral infections, and helps the liver to clean itself. When processed into glycyrrhetinic acid, Licorice root has a powerful anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effect which works to slow the deterioration of the liver and alleviate symptoms commonly associated with hepatitis.