Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial deciduous plant. It is an adaptogenic herb containing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant compounds. Both the roots and leaves can be used. The sweetness in licorice comes from glycyrrhizin, which has a sweet taste, 30–50 times the sweetness of sugar used to sweeten candies, food and beverages. The sweetness is not instantaneous like sugar, but it is long lasting. Licorice root is also an excellent expectorant loosening and expelling mucus from the throat and lungs. The root and leaves can be used to make tea, alone or with other herbs to help soothe the digestive and respiratory tract reducing inflammation throughout the body.