By: Ivana Dragica |
Licorice- universal healing powers hidden in sweet taste |
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If you are looking for an universal remedy and you came across licorice? Then your search is over.
It is a perennial plant; its Latin name is Glycyrrhiza glabra, which can grow up to one meter in height.
It is characterized by elongated pale-purple flower clusters.
It has oval leaves that are 2 to 4 cm in length and are half of their length in width.
Licorice is known worldwide for its exceptionally sweet root, which is used for treating many diseases.
Favorite drink of the ancient Egyptians
Licorice has been known for millennia. Ancient Egyptians used it as a healing agent, and licorice was also found in the tomb of King Tut.
Egyptian hieroglyphs depict it as a popular man's drink.
Its use against baldness and other diseases was recorded in 360 BC in Rome.
Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great were fans of licorice.
Modern licorice candy dates back to the 17th century in the Netherlands. Netherlands was then one of the most powerful states so its sailors took this dessert around the world.
Locals from the area of Bamberg in Germany found licorice so significant that it was long ago depicted as a symbol of the coat of arms of that region.
Composition and healing properties of licorice
Licorice contains hundreds of potentially therapeutic substances, including flavonoids and phytoestrogens.
The active substance in it is glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Glycyrrhizin has numerous healing effects on the body, making licorice a valuable herb for treating many diseases.
Licorice is a very good replacement for St. John's wort, because it has a number of antidepressant compounds.
It is believed that due to the effects of the hormone cortisol, licorice increases resistance to stress, that is why it is good to use licorice during severe physical and mental effort.
Helps women in menopause
Licorice and its preparations are very beneficial for women going through menopause. It reduces night sweats and hot flashes by 80 percent, enabling easier and better sleep.
Experts believe that natural compounds made of licorice mimic the female hormone estrogen, which declines in this period of life.
In due time, licorice could be introduced as a safe and healthy alternative to hormone therapy.
Because of its effects on cortisol and estrogen, licorice reduces testosterone production by 50 percent, which improves the condition of skin and hair, and reduces the growth of unwanted hair.
It is best combined with a borage, because borage also reduces the effects of testosterone, and together they make a powerful combination.
This plant contains a compound that prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a key role in hair loss in men.
You can use licorice to make shampoo to prevent hair loss – just add licorice to your favorite shampoo.
Effective, but neglected remedy
Licorice root is extremely effective, but neglected remedy.
The list of diseases and ailments that can be cured with licorice root is a long one.
Among other things, licorice:
- strengthens the immune system
- raises endurance
- prevents allergies
- has anti-inflammatory effect
- destroys bacteria, viruses and fungi
- relieves respiratory problems
- protects against heart disease
- prevents acne
- reduces hair loss
- suppresses muscle and joint pain
- elevates mood and reduces depression
- reduces symptoms of menopause
Recipe for stomach and throat
If you suffer from stomach problems, consume licorice powder.
For sore throats, chew and suck a piece of raw licorice. If you are suffering from dry caught, make a licorice extract mixed with honey.
Myopia
If you suffer from myopia, mix a teaspoon of the powdered roots with equal share of honey and ghee butter. Drink twice a day with milk on an empty stomach.
Muscle and joint pain
Soak licorice root overnight and drink the mixture in the morning if you are suffering from muscle and joint pains.
Polycystic ovaries
In the case of polycystic ovaries, pour 1.5 dl of water over a half a teaspoon of licorice and a half a teaspoon of borage, leave the mixture for five minutes, then strain. Drink three cups per day after meals, for four to six weeks.
Pasta against hair loss
Make a paste using two tablespoons of grinded licorice root, four tablespoons of milk and a pinch of saffron spice.
Put the pasta on affected areas before going to bed and hair should begin to grow after a few weeks. Pasta is very effective in the early stages of baldness, accelerated hair loss and dandruff.
The original recipe for licorice candy
Ingredients
- A cup of molasses
- 1 teaspoon of grinded licorice
- 1 teaspoon of grinded dried anise root
- 1 cup of flour
Preparation
Heat molasses and add anise and licorice. Stir in enough flour to make a dough with which you can work. Make candy in the shapes you want.
Note
Longer-term use of licorice is not recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure.
Pregnant and nursing women should not use licorice.
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