Form word combinations.

1. sweet a) effects

2. cough b) use

3. clinical c) root

4. adverse d) trials

5. medicinal e) reducer

Answer the following questions.

1. How did the Romans call licorice? What about the Germans?

2. Has licorice been used by other cultures? How?

3. What is licorice cultivated for?

4. When are the roots of licorice harvested?

5. How has licorice root been traditionally classed?

6. Is licorice widely used for upper respiratory problems?

7. What does make licorice a popular addition to cough syrups and lozenges?

8. Is there any information about the importance of licorice for digestive sys­tem and its disorders?

9. Can we find licorice added to formulas for chronic inflammatory condi­tions? Why?

10.Is the advice of a qualified natural health practitioner recommended before taking licorice?

11.What possible adverse effects does licorice include?

12.Is it safe to use licorice while pregnancy?

13.When you should avoid taking licorice?

4. Are the following sentences true or false? Correct the false ones.

1. Licorice has been used in many ways by many cultures.

2. 20 known species of licorice are native to south Asia, Europe and Africa.

3. Licorice root has a variety of medicinal uses.

4. Licorice has never been extensively investigated.

5. Licorice soothes and reduces headache.

6. Some studies suggest that licorice can increase gastric juices.

7. Do not take licorice if you have bronchitis or cough.

8. Like all strong herbs, licorice must be treated with respect.

Read and memorize the licorice tea recipe. Drink and be healthy.

Use the whole root of licorice to make a tea by steeping 1/2 tsp (2 g) dried root in 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water, or take 1/4 to 3/4 tsp (1 to 3 ml) tincture (1:5 ratio of dried herb to 45 percent alcohol extract). Take this tea three times a day, for a maximum of four to six weeks.

Text 2

1. Read, translate and retell the following text:

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is a species of the Aloe plant at is native to northern Africa. Although used topically to treat burns, aloe vera also provides natural support for the immune system.

Aloe vera has been found to be a concentrated plant source of health-supporting polysaccharides — the beta-glucomannans, a class of long-chain sugars. Clinical studieshave found these polysaccharides directly affect cells in the immune system.

Fresh aloe vera contains many other constituents, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, a natura1 form of salicylic acid, and plant sterols (with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties). Aloe vera also contains trace amounts of vitamin B_]2 and is one of the rare plant sources for this nutrient.

In fact, aloe vera has several medicinal purposes. Its leaves can be split to get out it the juice to rub on the skin to treat sunburns, wounds, insect bites, wrinkles, scratches, and skin irritations. A tea made from its dried juice serves to be a good wash to wounds and the eyes. According to a study in Europe, it can also reduce the blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It also treats asthma, stomach ache, fever, and headache. Topical application of aloe vera may be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. Aloe vera extracts have antibacterial and antifungal activities.

So aloe is used externally for the treatment of: - skin irritation;

- burns;

- scalds;

- sunburn;

- wounds;

- eczema;

- psoriasis;

- acne;

- dermatitis;

- ulcers;

- to stimulate cell regeneration.

And aloe is used internally to combat most digestive problems, including:

- constipation; -poor appetite;

- colitis;

- asthma;

- diabetes;

- immune system enhancement;

- peptic ulcers.

This herb is one of the main attractions of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and also the most widely used ingredient — starting from vitamins and laxatives to face creams and body care lotions. Owing to its properties, aloe vera was incorporated in the composition of deodorants.

A wide variety of products with curative and therapeutic effects is obtained from aloe vera, one of the most effective herbs.