The dried roots, the powdered root, or the extract prepared from them,
called Spanish liquorice or juice, consists chiefly of a substance
having an intensely sweet taste, and this is combined with gum, starch,
a resinous substance, proteid matter and organic mineral salts.
Liquorice differs from sugar in not being susceptible to alcoholic
fermentation. The chief use of liquorice is as a sweetening agent for
other beverages. Given alone it is useful in stomach troubles and in
sleepiness in the place of soda. It is also said to be an antidote to
correct the tobacco habit. It makes a good sweet for children, if taken
sparingly, and it teaches them to chew.
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