Licorice (no, we're not talking Twizzlers!)

 Licorice! Sweet, tasty, licorice!

I sat and thought about which herb I'd like to feature today. When I flipped through my Rosemary Gladstar Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health (love this book, check it out if you like a book that is practical and easy to read) , I fell upon the "licorice" page. My mouth began to water immediately...

Well, first off, it is tasty. At least, I think so. Licorice seems to be a taste that people love or hate. Whether you love it or hate it, it is often used to mask the taste of disgusting, nauseous herbs , such as quinine, cascara, and other icky herbs. It is also helpful in alleviating unpleasant symptoms caused by harsh herbs without taking away their benefits. Licorice the harmonizer!

It is also a well-known remedy for coughs, congestion, chest complaints like bronchitus, and sore throats. For instance, there is the following recipe for one has a cough from A Modern Herbal:

'Take a large teaspoonful of Linseed, 1 ounce of Liquorice root, and 1/4 lb. of best raisins. Put them into 2 quarts of soft water and simmer down to 1 quart. Then add to it 1/4 lb. of brown sugar candy and a tablespoonful of white wine vinegar or lemon juice. Drink 1/2 pint when going to bed and take a little whenever the cough is troublesome.'

 

 Licorice is most highly valued for its assistance to the endocrine system. According to Rosemary Gladstar, it relieves adrenal exhaustion. The adrenal glands are essential, as they secrete hormones that help our bodies deal with stress and activates our fight-or-flight response. Adrenal exhaustion is prevalent in those suffering from depression, or a midlife crisis. Used over weeks or months, it can help the adrenal glands return to normal function!

Be warned, licorice is not recommended for those who have high blood pressure, because there are indications that it induces water retention, thus raising blood pressure levels. Also, licorice is not recommended for children with hypertension or kidney/bladder problems or those with steroid therapy. 

Licorice is also know to prevent and relieve thirst. So, I discovered this delicious-sounding licorice cooler. It has alcohol, which makes you thirstier, but I couldn't help but include it because it is unique and I like trying new things! Can't wait to try it!

*****************************

Licorice Cooler

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 sticks licorice root
• 1 lemon
• ¼ cup Chardonnay
• 2 tablespoons Galliano liqueur

Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and ¾ cup water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the licorice root sticks. Refrigerate for 2 days, then remove licorice, but do not discard it. Add 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, and place bowl in the freezer until mixture becomes semi-frozen, about 40 to 60 minutes.
Prepare the cocktail by combining the Chardonnay and Galliano liqueur, then add the icy syrup. Split the end of one licorice root and use as garnish. Serve immediately.

***************************

My mouth is watering already....


-Find my upcycled clothing designs on www.ragsbysockmonkey.etsy.com!-