Q: Licorice oil helps heal various bites, burns and even cold sores.  It takes down fire-ant bites fast!

I make my own licorice oil using one licorice tea bag to 1 cup of olive oil.  I leave that mixture in a covered jar on the counter, though it could be refrigerated.  The potency builds up over a day or two.

Apply the oil at the first sign of a cold sore and keep using it every 20 minutes until the area responds.  Best cheap remedy in your arsenal for all manner of “owies”!

A: Thanks for the tip.  Dermatologists report that topical licorice compounds can help protect against UV-B-related sun damage (Experimental Dermatology, June 2016).  They may also ease eczema (Journal of Dermatological Treatment, September 2003).  Licorice has some antiviral and antimicrobial activity, which might explain your success (Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. B, July 2015).

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times