Nature has all we want to help us preserve our health and vitality. Why, then, so many of us overlook it? Why would you choose to go to the drugstore and buy pills and suplements for different insufficiencies and what not, to treat, when you can go to a health store and buy herbs and roots for a reasonable price?
We have it all within our reach, yet, we opt for chemical filled treatments.
Western medicine is good for emergency situations, but alternative, traditional medicine is best for prevention and curing chronic conditions.
Do you tend to have high cholesterol levels in your bloodstream? Or not enough energy to go through the day? Hormonal problems? Low blood pressure or high blood pressure? These conditions can be tamed or even cured with plants and roots alone.
Then, if you're already curious, I shall begin.
LICORICE (Liquorice, Sweet Root, Liquirizia, Reglissa, Sweet Wood, Black Sugar, Gan-cao)
Glycyrrhiza glabra F. Fabaceae
It has been grown since early times in China, Africa, Europe, India and the Middle East. It does well in temperate, warm and sub-tropical climates; also in tropical areas provided the soil is free draining wet humid weather. It's not bothered by frosts, as it is dormant in winter. Fresh roots are pliable and cut easily.
It contains: Volatile oils, fixed oils, linoleic and linolenic acid, resins, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, tryptamine, indolo, pyrazine, pyrrolidine, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, salicylic acid, asparagine, betaine, chelite, glycyrrhizin, bitters, isoflavones, oestrogen-like steroids, mucilage, lecithin, protein
Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, E
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chromium, cobalt, selenium, silicon, zinc
Actions: Tonic, pectoral, alternative, expectorant, demulcent, emollient, diuretic, aperient, laxative, refrigerant, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, antifungal and antibacterial, emmenagogue, oestrogenic, cathartic, stomachic, antiviral, expectorant
Medicinal Uses:
Licorice is a very special plant with many healing properties. It is something that should not miss in our homes. Its rejuvenating and nutritive properties have made it one of the most universally consumed herbs.
Since earliest recorded history, licorice has been used as an aphrodisiac, beautifying agent, used for vitality, longevity and youth. Taking it regularly, for 4-6 weeks, then 1 month break and so on, for the entire life, can prolong your days and postpone aging. One of the special substances that it contains is glycyrrhizin, found to be 50 times sweeter than refined sugar. It is detectable if only one drop is added to 15,000 drops of pure water. It contains no calories. The sweetener can be utilized by diabetics.
Roman legions considered licorice an indispensable ration for their long, grueling campaigns. Soldiers could go up to 10 days without eating or drinking, as the licorice properties helped to build stamina and energy, which allayed both hunger and thirst.
Ancient Hindus believed it increased sexual vigour when taken with milk and sugar.
Licorice works on the digestive, respiratory, nervous, reproductive and excretory systems. It is an effective expectorant, often combined with ginger to help liquify mucus and facilitate its discharge.
Combined with cardamom and ginger, it is considered a tonic for the teeth.
Licorice is used to calm the mind, nourish the brain and increase the cranial and cerebrospinal fluid; to benefit vision, voice, hair, complexion and stamina.
In the Chinese Traditional Medicine, licorice is situated among the first class drugs, because it preserves the life of man. The first class herbs were considered non-poisonous.
One longevity formula was made of 20% licorice, 40% gotu kola, 30% ginseng, 10% cayenne, with 2-4g of formula taken 3 times a day.
Licorice has been given many remedial applications: coughs, colds, wheezing, lung complaints, hoarsness, mucus congestion, tonsillitis, abdominal pain, nausea, poor appetite, fatigue, food poisoning, fevers, fluid retention, edema, burning urine and kidney, bladder ailments, gall stones, allergies, cancers and melanomas, conjuctivitis, earache, toothache, age spots, senility, hyperglycemia, menstrual discomforts, vaginal thrush, endometriosis, infertility, candida, muscular dystrophy, skin allergies, hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, nervous tension, insomnia and anxiety, depression, hysteria, indigestion and gastritis, diabetes, drug withdrawal, malaria, inflammations, cramps, epilepsy, poor circulation, cholesterol lowering, headaches, herpes, wounds, burns, cold sores, psoriasis, carbuncles, syphilis, abscesses, shingles, to fight staphylococci. Licorice infusion as wash has been used on acne scars.
Dose:
A general medicinal dose is 1-2 cups of licorice tea a day. 1/2 to 1 teasp. of licorice root or powder is infused to 1 cup of boiling water. Tincture: 1/2 to 1 teasp. twice a day. For therapeutic use, it is recommended that licorice be taken before meals.
Warning:
Despite all the positive effects licorice provides, do make sure to do a well-rounded research on the subject. Although studies have been done on several cases, remember that each body reacts differently to substances. Even if one substance may have a beneficial effect on one person, it may have no effect, or worse, cause side effects on another. So, before you embark on taking herbs and other supplements, learn about what you are about to ingest. It's better to prevent than cure. If you have high blood pressure problems or hyperglycemia, I would suggest you refrain from taking licorice. It is beneficial for people with low blood pressure. Licorice is also a laxative. While it may be suited for many, not everyone is fit to take this herb. And, last but not least, remember that anything taken in excess is going to harm your health. Don't take the treatment longer than it was suggested above.
I shall come back to you with more. Expect for more articles on plants to come.
