Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb indigenous to Greece, Italy, Spain, Syria, Iraq and southern China. The root penetrates deeply into the ground and is the part of the herb that contains an abundance of valuable properties. The word Licorice comes from the Greek glykys (sweet) and rhiza(root), meaning sweet root. The root yields a substance known as glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid which is 50 times as sweet as sugar cane. The use of Licorice dates back to ancient times. Archaeologists found great quantities of Licorice stored among the fabulous jewelry and art treasures in the 3000 year old tomb of King Tut. This was done to enable the departed spirit to prepare a sweet drink called mai sus in the next world. It is still a favorite beverage among the Egyptians today.