Far too many of us have fallen victim this season to one or more ailments. Herbals remedies do work. One seldom used plant is licorice. (And I'm not referring to the red and black candies that grace most candy counters)
Before the days of colonialism and the sugar cane plantations, sugar as we know it didn't exist. To sweeten, the populace had to rely on fruit, honey or licorice sticks. Licorice contains glycorisin, a substance categorized as 50 times sweeter than sugar. It comes from the root of the plant that is a member of the bean family.
As I have stated before, people were often drawn to plants because of the plant's unigue properties.
One would think that licorice would indeed be used as a treat... but its medicinal benefits far outshine its sickeningly sweet taste. Some countries firmly believe that licorice can bring on health, but if you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, licorice is not the plant for you.
Oribasius and Marcellus, mentioned the plant in 4th century A.D.. Paul of Aegina describes its affects in 600's. By the 1400's the Italians were famous for their superior licorice. Mattioli noted that pastilles flavored with its juices were brought every year from Apulia. Some historians believe licorice was stored in King Tut's tomb.
The Arabs firmly believed licorice could cure whatever ails you. They document using licorice for fever, respiratory ailments and gastritis. A healthy Arab frozen treat -- frozen licorice sherbet: Combine licorice, raisins and carob pulp. Freeze and enjoy.
The Chinese believe the body needs a balance. The Chinese often state that licorice boosts the body and that long term usage leads to clear eyes and vibrancy. They use herbs to bring the body back onto balance and licorice is believed to be a balancer of herbs. It is termed a corrective. They have proven it heals ulcers by absorbing the acid, restoring the PH balance in the intestines, and helping to relax the stomach and intestines. Best taken at the beginning of an episode.
In many cultures licorice has been noted as a cancer fighter, fighting off degenerative conditions. Licorice has been shown to inhibit the growth of sarcoma 45 and Ehrlich ascites cells. It is also used as an anti-inflamatory. Asia has been using the plant to fight allergies for centuries.
Marcer Floridus, a 9th century herbalist, stated there is no better plant than licorice for the lungs. There is an ingredient in licorice that is similar to codiene for coughs. Singers were noted as chewing the root to protect their throats. Recent research has proven the plant contains anti bacterial properties. The trick to chewing licorice is to chew it until all the sweetness is gone and then spit the pulp out.
You can purchase the plant through mail order catalogs. The licorice plant is about the size of an Azalea with a root structure that can grow up to 16 feet. Taking care to prepare a suitable bed to easily harvest the roots will enable you to replant the plant so that it can continue to grow without much difficulty. You should dig the roots in late autumn or early winter, leaving enough root behind to spread in the spring. Dry licorice in the shade.
Precautions:
Licorice should not be taken if one is pregnant and it may raise blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension. High doses and long term low dosage should be avoided. Do not use as a daily laxative. Such misuse could result in excessive potassium loss.If drinking tea, 1 cup per day. Tincture - 1/8 teaspoon or 1/2 dropper full Chewing on licorice sticks is sickeningly sweet. Chew or suck on a piece until sweetnesss is gone, then discard the pulp.
Please remember how sweet licorice is, so although you can chew as much of it as you like, your waistline may complain. Licorice tea is a great tool when you feel the beginnings of a cold coming on. Licorice is user friendly to diabetics.
Enjoy in good health.
Rebekah