About some of the properties of liquorice and what benefits it brings to our health.
Licorice: general characteristics and trivia
Glycyrrhiza glabra, here is the botanical name of this perennial herbaceous plant, which is part of the family Fabaceae (legumes). It reaches one meter in height and is a very hardy plant, even at extreme temperatures, and the most treacherous terrain. Of course, the interesting part that is used is the root, which can stretch up to twice his height, are harvested in autumn (but the plant must have at least three years) immediately after the summer bloom.
And 'now it spreads around the world, but his country of origin is Asia. It was discovered in China and quickly spread in the Middle East. Following the Greeks discovered the healing properties and in the fifteenth century the Dominican monks introduced it among the herbal medicines. It is estimated that licorice is a plant dating back to 5000 years ago.
How many varieties of licorice exist?
- Spanish licorice ,very fine;
- Russian Licorice ;
- Hungarian Licorice ;
- Turkish licorice ;
- Chinese Licorice ;
The name by which it is less well known is "Shiite root" which derives from the fact that the Shiites used to chew the root during long periods of fasting.
A curiosity: this plant is used as an additive in the manufacture of cigarettes.
Licorice: properties and health benefits
All I always recommend "Eat liquorice" for various problems, including low blood pressure, but unfortunately nothing to do the taste bothers me. Yet I should, licorice is a panacea for many ailments, here is its properties:
- digestive;
- anti-inflammatory, indicated especially in cases of osteoarthritis;
- expectorant, helps rid the bronchial tubes from excess mucus but is also indicated in the case of asthma;
- excellent against the evils of the season, coughs and colds;
- ideal for those who suffer from heartburn (Napoleon used it for this purpose);
- antiulcer, it stimulates the production of a protective film on the gastric mucosa;
- purifying and diuretic;
- emollient;
- refreshing and thirst-quenching;
- antibacterial;
- healing;
- protects the liver, helps in particular those who suffer from liver failure;
- pressure control, helps those suffering from low blood pressure due to glicirizzina;
- prevent autoimmune diseases by strengthening the immune system;
- mild laxative, for transient constipation;
- excellent remedy for heart disorders and spleen;
- fights bloating, also calms painful spasms;
- promotes bowel regularity;
- helps relaxation, away anxiety, stress and depression;
- antioxidant, in particular, helps the cardio circulatory system to keep young and functional;
- helps in weight loss, stimulates the metabolism accelerating fat burning, also it is satiating;
- antitumor, in particular it protects the prostate, liver and breast;
- It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and relieves cramps, also quenches the desire for sweets and helps fight polycystic ovaries;
- cholesterol lowering, which fights the increase in bad cholesterol.
In cosmetics it is sought to tackle the problem of oily hair.
What's in the licorice?
- minerals: magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, silicon, selenium, manganese, zinc and copper;
- isoflavones, carotenoids, flavonols, choline, betaine, glabridin;
- glycyrrhizin;
- phytosterols;
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, E and C;
- glabrico acid and malic acid;
- saponins;
- tannins;
- mannitol;
- coumarins;
- styrene;
- bitter substances.
Licorice: all uses
Licorice is now on the market in many forms, but the best natural remedies are obtained from pure liquorice, by then, ankle boots.
Herbal tea licorice
- a stub chopped licorice;
- a water jug (200 ml).
Put the root in water and bring to boil. Boil for five minutes, strain and drink.
This herbal tea is effective against:
- hypotension problems;
- menstrual problems;
- anxiety and stress;
- heartburn;
- dyspepsia;
- constipation;
- painful spasms;
- accumulation of toxins;
- high cholesterol;
- cough.
Cold used after shampooing is excellent for degreasing and strengthen the hair.
We have already spoken of the footbaths do it yourself, well, few people know that the teas are also excellent for this purpose.
I can not stand the taste of licorice but I know how precious and so I tried this amazing detox foot spa:
- a bunch of nettles;
- two sticks of licorice;
- a dandelion bouquet;
- bicarbonate.
They put the herbs and liquorice to boil in a pot (remember that then the water is added to the tank for foot bath), after about half an hour goes out and is expected to cool down, so that it is at the right temperature to avoid burning . It is poured into the filtering basin and add the baking soda, 15 minutes of detox / relaxation. The sole of the foot a lot and so absorbs the substances are released in the body, helping the purification of organs and skin. Is working with me, just do it!
Recipe of digestive herbal tea:
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds;
- a chopped licorice root;
- 1 teaspoon dried peppermint.
Boil for 10 minutes. Strain and drink after meals to improve digestion and prevent the formation of troublesome swelling.
Then there are also liquor liquorice which are excellent digestive and also easy to prepare at home.
Licorice: contraindications and side effects
CAUTION, read the following carefully.
Licorice is not recommended in case of:
- hypertension;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- kidney failure, diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver;
- water retention, as it decreases the potassium in the blood;
- obesity;
- chronic headache.
Not recommended intake simultaneously with the birth control pill.
Before taking any natural remedy licorice contact your primary care physician.
