Derived from the root of a shrubby perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, It boosts overall health. licorice root appears to promote normal heart rhythm (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, 1991, vol. 16) and enhance hormonal balance in women (Endocrinology Japonica, 1988, vol. 35). Plus, it’s often used for detoxifying the liver. The plant’s root contains a variety of chemical agents, including glycoside glycyrrhizin. The amount of glycyrrhizin varies from 7 percent to 10 percent, depending on growing conditions. In case you decide to use, opt for the DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) form.