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The roots of this plant were known as a
strengthening and fortifying agent in Babylon, more than four thousand years ago. The
syrup prepared from the licorice roots was liked by the ancient Egyptians, and when the
tomb of TUTANKHAMEN was discovered in 1923, licorice roots were also found there. Ancient
Egyptian physicians mixed it with bitter medicines to hide the undesirable taste, and
treated liver and intestine diseases with it. Theocritus the Greek physician prescribed
licorice to treat dry coughs, asthma, and fight thirst. The benefits of licorice were also
known by Arab physicians, so they prescribed it as a food and medicine. One saying of
the Arab physician and philosopher Avicenna is: “the infused licorice purifies the
voice and the trachea, and is useful in disorders and diets”. |
