Medicinal Monday: Candy, Medicine, you decide. Licorice and its wonderful properties

#herbalmedicine #medicinalmonday #homesteadwitch

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Licorice root is a versatile and potent medicinal herb used for centuries to treat various ailments. The root is the part of the plant used for medicinal purposes. It contains several active constituents that work together to provide therapeutic benefits.

One of the main medicinal qualities of licorice root is its anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a popular choice for treating arthritis and other conditions that cause inflammation. Additionally, licorice root is an expectorant, which helps clear mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system. This makes it a valuable natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.

Licorice root also has demulcent properties and soothes and protects irritated or inflamed tissues. This makes it a valuable herb for treating cankers and mouth sores. Additionally, licorice root has been used as a mild laxative to help relieve constipation.

The active constituents in licorice root include triterpene saponins (such as glycyrrhizin), isoflavones (such as liquirtin, isoliquirtin, and formononetin), polysaccharides, and phytosterols. These components work together to provide the therapeutic benefits of licorice root. For example, glycyrrhizin is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, isoflavones have been shown to have estrogen-like effects on the body.

Several different vital preparations can be made from licorice root. One of the simplest is a tincture, made by steeping the root in water or alcohol. To make a tincture, mix ½ tsp of licorice root with ½ cup of water or alcohol, and take the mixture twice a day.

Another popular preparation is a dried juice stick, which can conveniently be taken on the go. You can also make a powder from the dried root, which can be rubbed gently onto canker sores or other mouth sores to soothe and protect the skin. Additionally, a decoction can be made by boiling 1 part licorice root with 3 parts dandelion root and drinking ¾ cup of the mixture a day to help relieve constipation.

Licorice root is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures, so it is best grown indoors. To grow licorice root from seed, simply sow the seeds on the surface of potting compost in mid to late spring or early autumn. Keep the seeds warm at about 68 degrees F, but do not cover them. Once the plants have grown and matured, they can be harvested by lifting the whole plant from the ground using either a spade or garden fork.

While licorice root is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, some warnings are associated with taking this herb. Consuming large amounts of licorice root can increase blood pressure and decrease potassium levels, so it is essential to use this herb with caution. Additionally, licorice root should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or by people who have heart or liver problems.

In conclusion, licorice root is a powerful and versatile medicinal herb used for centuries to treat various ailments. With its anti-inflammatory, expectorant, demulcent, adrenal, and laxative properties, licorice root can be a valuable natural remedy for many conditions. Whether you are looking to treat arthritis or canker sores or simply want to support your overall health.

Medicinal Qualities
Anti-inflammatory
Expectorant
Demulcent
Adrenal Agent
Mild laxative
Good For
Arthritis
Canker Sores
Parts Used:
Root: Fresh or dried
Active Constituents
Triterrpene saponins (glycyrrhizin, up to 6%)
Isoflavones (liquirtin, isoliquirtin, formononetin)
Polysaccharides
Phytosterols
Key Preparations
Tincture: ½ tsp to ½ cup water take twice a day
Dried Juice Stick
Powder: can be rubbed gently onto canker sores
Decoction: 1 part licorice and 3 parts dandelion root, drink ¾ a cup a day to help with constipation
Planting & Growing:
Sow seeds on the surface of potting compost in mid to late spring or early autumn, do not cover them, but keep them warm at about 68 degrees F
The easiest way is to see if you can source a couple of plants and grow indoors.
This plant is a tropical plant and really does not like the cold weather
Harvesting
Lift the whole plant from the ground using either a spade or garden fork
Warnings:
Can increase blood pressure and decrease potassium levels when consumed in large amounts.