Licorice is indigenous to Syria, Greece, Italy, Spain, Iraq, and Southern China. The plant is a perennail and goes by the scientific name of Glycyrrhiza glabra. It grows from 3-7 high and has quite an extraordinary root structure. I use it in homemade decoctions infused with menthol and chamomile, among others. I add them to this vapo machine I have. It's awesome. To me, it's like a natural pain reliever and fever reducer. I think of it as "natures tylenol." It's exceptionally fantastic when mixed with Kratom, Opium Lettuce, Poppy seed, and similar herbs.
Medicinal Benefits
The root of this plant has been used in both Western and Eastern medicine for treating a variety of illnesses. The medicinal effects produced by the plant are useful for conditions ranging from the common cold to liver disease. The roots are the prized part of the plant because the highest concentration of medicinal compounds are believed to concentrate there. The herb is believed to decrease the generation of damaging molecules known as free radicals. A good recipe for an infusion using Licorice is: Chamomile, Licorice, Peppermint. I find it great for sleep, the flu, cold, aches, pains, etc. Check it out!
The amazing part is that this valuable medicinal action produced by a compound in this plant takes place near the site of inflammation The effects actually inhibit an enzyme that's involved in the inflammatory process. Many claim that this natural remedy is a feminine herb, meaning it's really useful for women. For centuries this ancient tool for healing has been used in mixtures for women The properties seem to regulate hormone production. This plant is also suggested for use as a natural anti-depressant in the art of aroma therapy.
It has a very powerful aroma which makes it valuable in aroma therapy. The root should be stored in glass jars that are opened every once in a while to allow fresh air to enter. Over time, the aroma will become stronger as it ages. This is called "curing", and its done with Cannabis as well. It can be used flavor and cure Tobacco, and has for many centuries by many different people. Its aroma clings to the Tobacco bringing out an even bolder, and more intense rich flavor. The curing process can be done using different varieties of wood, logs, boxes, jars, etc. Place you Tobacco and licorice into whatever curing chamber you choose, and let it sit for weeks. Be sure to air out the chambers once or twice every now and then.
Constituents
I've always had an interst in reading the academic publications on the pharmacology of plant based alkaloids and constituents. To me, they indicate the plants potential use in herbalism. You'll discover many things when working with these sacred plants. Literally hundreds of potentially healing chemicals have been recognized in this species, including flavonoids and plant estrogens. The plant also produces a chemical known as Glycyrrhizin, that's chemistry is similar to that of coricosteroids released by the bodys adrenal glands. This action caused from the Glycyrrhizin compound, is what is thought to be responsible for the herbs ability to act as an anti-inflammatory drug. The plant produces these compounds during its journey through life, some of which have anti-depressant effects on the human mind. For this reason, It's often suggested as an alternative to St. John's Wort. Other pharmacological chemicals created by the plant include: cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, HCN, indoles, juglones, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. [see citations] [Check out Google Scholar
With all of this in mind about the well documented scientific understanding of medicinal constituents produced by plants, consider how medicine is obtained, researched, and tested. Consider how any pharmaceutical drug could exist without a world full of clues and answers waiting to be researched and discovered. This species and other plants have played a major role in the field of medicine. Through-out history, plants were the original medicine and there were no other options. What an incredible gift the people of this planet have been given. For a life form to grow out of the ground, and into the ground at the same time, is amazing. This is all so cool that it really deserves more attention from just about everyone, including the news! REPORT THIS STORY! Oh yeah, I am the news, the herbal news. :)
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