Licorice is the sweetest tasting rhizome of a bean plant, found in the sub- tropical and warm temperate regions. Both the vertical main tap root and horizontal subsidiary rhizomes are considered as flavorings. The dried roots are extremely hard and fibrous, and have brown skin and a yellow interior. Licorice is marketed as powder and solid sticks of concentrated essence, which are partly soluble in water.
Licorice is famous mainly as confectionery flavoring. It is prescribed as a remedy for asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, and chronic cough. It is also a flavoring agent in cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco.
It is also known as Mulhathi and Jethi-madh.
