Origin and history
Licorice, known for over 4,000 years, is a major medicinal plant used in both ancient Egypt and traditional Chinese medicine. Its name comes from the Greek words glukos (“sweet”) and rhiza (“root”), literally “sweet root,” due to its naturally sweet taste. The Egyptians made decoctions from it to soothe the throat, and Hippocrates already recommended it for respiratory and digestive problems. Today, licorice is used as much for its health benefits as for its characteristic aroma in confectionery and herbal teas.