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Many people avoid using licorice-based products due to contraindications and possible side effects. For this reason, an effective and affordable natural remedy remains unclaimed. Experts believe that if you follow the rules for processing the main ingredient and recommendations for its intake, the body will only benefit from this practice. Contrary to popular belief, licorice is not just a cough syrup. The herbal ingredient can become the basis for medicines with a wide variety of effects.

Description of licorice, composition of its root

In nature, licorice is found in a variety of areas, but prefers the sandy soil of steppes, semi-desert plains, river banks and seas. It belongs to the legume family and tolerates dry periods well. In some countries, sweets made from licorice are considered a national delicacy. Almost everywhere, the beneficial properties of licorice are highly valued by supporters of traditional medicine and are actively used by them.

This popularity of the product is due to its rich chemical composition:

  • Glycyrrhizin. A substance that is much sweeter than sugar is a natural sweetener. It is this ingredient that gives licorice preparations the ability to relieve inflammation, fight germs and resist allergens. It is well tolerated even by people with diabetes mellitus.
  • Flavonoids. There are almost three dozen of them in licorice. They have several types of effects on the body, including relieving spasms, fighting inflammation, and accelerating wound healing.
  • Vitamins B, C, essential oils and resins. Stimulate the biological activity of substances in tissues, accelerate the process of eliminating toxins, free radicals and other poisons.
  • Carbohydrates, cellulose, organic acids. They maintain the intensity of metabolic processes and normalize the acid-base balance in the body.

The beneficial substances of licorice are concentrated in its root. To obtain a therapeutic maximum, these elements are collected in late autumn or spring and dried. In crushed form, they end up on pharmacy shelves and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Benefits of licorice for the body

Extracts from licorice root are today recognized by doctors and pharmacologists. They are added to medications and used in home medicine. With the correct organization of the approach, products with licorice give the following results:

  • Everyone knows the benefits of licorice as an expectorant. It is added to mixtures, syrups, lollipops and mixtures. Depending on the set of additional ingredients, such remedies are used for bronchitis, dry cough, asthma, tuberculosis, laryngitis, pneumonia, and smoker's cough.

Tip: Glycerrrhizin in licorice is similar in its properties to the hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. For this reason, you should not take medications or even eat licorice candies if these endocrine glands are overactive.

  • Licorice can improve the condition of heart and vascular diseases, low blood pressure, and thyroid pathologies.
  • By enveloping the gastric mucosa, the product helps protect and restore it. It also has a mild laxative effect, which leads to cleansing of the intestines.
  • A natural sweetener promotes the production of insulin, which is useful for diabetes.
  • Licorice decoctions can treat gastritis and peptic ulcers. They restore the properties of the pancreas and liver.
  • Liquorice is used to treat skin diseases and is used as a cosmetic product. It is perfect for skin whitening and rejuvenation by stimulating collagen synthesis.
  • The properties of licorice come in handy for intoxications caused by poisoning. Oncologists recommend it as a means of reducing the risk of developing cancer or slowing down its spread.
  • Preparations from the plant stimulate brain activity, elevate mood, relieve fatigue and increase performance.
  • Decoctions and tinctures of the plant's root have an antiviral effect and fight fever.
  • Substances in licorice can inhibit the activity of certain types of protozoan worms, due to which the body is gradually cleansed.

Traces of licorice can be found in a variety of soft drinks. It is often added to confectionery products, jams, preserves and alcoholic products. Even manufacturers of flavored smoking mixtures often use the product as a spice.

Making licorice syrup at home

Licorice syrup, prepared according to all the rules, has all the properties of decoctions and infusions from the plant component. Few people know that you can prepare it yourself, at home. In terms of efficiency, it is in no way inferior to its store-bought counterpart, and in terms of purity of the composition it even wins.

  • Take 4 ml of thick licorice root extract, mix with 80 ml of sugar syrup and add 10 ml of alcohol (or vodka). The mass must be thoroughly mixed and can be tested in practice. Most often it is used for colds, different types cough, gastritis, peptic ulcer, tracheitis.
  • To obtain the desired result, you should take 5-10 ml of syrup diluted in a glass of drinking water or unsweetened tea. You should drink the composition 2-3 times a day immediately after meals.

This pleasant-tasting liquid allows you to get rid of spasms, relieve inflammation, and accelerate the healing of wounds and ulcers. It also counteracts staphylococci, exhibiting antimicrobial activity.

The benefits and harms of licorice for children and pregnant women

Most often, consumers are interested in the benefits and harms of licorice for children and pregnant women. In pediatrics, the product is used quite actively, due to the natural composition and pronounced medicinal properties. It relieves inflammation, eliminates pain, fights germs, removes phlegm and improves immunity. It must be remembered that the course of treatment should not exceed 10 days. If side effects such as rash, diarrhea or swelling occur, therapy should be discontinued.

During pregnancy, the female body is especially susceptible to colds, so its resistance needs to be increased. Most often, this is achieved with the help of folk remedies and natural ingredients, but you will have to give up licorice. Substances in the product can change the water-salt balance, causing swelling, increased blood pressure and hormonal imbalances. The composition can also affect the tone of the uterus and even provoke uterine bleeding.

Liquorice based medicine recipes

A wide variety of medicines can be created from licorice, enhancing the effect of some substances and inhibiting the activity of others. The following approaches are most often used in home medicine:

  • Gastritis and ulcer. In half a glass of hot water you need to dilute 1 ml of licorice extract. The liquid is divided into three parts and drunk 3 times a day.
  • Cold cough. Take 20 g of licorice root, 10 g of rose hips and plantain leaves (if possible, add the same amount of Icelandic moss). Mix all the ingredients and brew tea from them. You should drink the composition no more than 2-3 times a day.
  • Improving the functioning of the adrenal glands. Fry a couple of teaspoons of chopped licorice roots in a frying pan. Transfer to a porcelain container and pour in 2 cups of boiling water. We insist for at least 8 hours. Strain the finished medicine and take 30 drops 2 times a day.
  • Strengthening infusion. Pour a teaspoon of licorice horse into a glass of boiling water, leave under the lid for 1-2 hours. Strain and take 1 tablespoon before meals 3 times a day.

All products made from licorice have a pleasant taste and aroma. But this does not mean that they are absolutely safe and can be drunk like tea in any quantity. Liquorice is first and foremost effective medicine, which, if dosages are ignored, can cause great harm.

The harm of licorice and contraindications to its use

The use of licorice as a medicinal or prophylactic agent is prohibited for the following conditions:

  • Hypertension and heart failure.
  • Increased activity of the adrenal glands.
  • Pregnancy at any stage.
  • Problems with blood clotting.
  • Predisposition to bleeding, low platelet count in the blood.

Licorice should not be taken at the same time as diuretics. This combination can lead to a severe and pathological potassium deficiency. In general, you should consult your doctor before taking any form of licorice.

Licorice root and decoctions prepared from it can be useful for those who want to get rid of extra pounds. In this case, several factors will contribute to weight loss. This includes normalization of hormonal levels, cleansing the intestines of unnecessary contents, and a calming effect on the nervous system. The main thing is not to get carried away with the product, but to take it strictly within the acceptable dosages.

Licorice tea is a delicious herbal tea made from the root of a perennial plant called licorice. Sold loose or in tea bags, this tea is considered a dessert drink and health booster. Glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhizin, two sugars found in licorice root, make this tea very sweet. Herbalists claim that licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar cane. This high sugar content is one of several harmful properties of licorice tea that prevents most consumers from consuming it regularly for extended periods of time. However, as a rare treat, this herbal tea has health benefits.

The base of licorice tea is dried, crushed licorice. To balance and complement naturally sweet taste This tea is often mixed with spices such as mint, cinnamon or vanilla. Sometimes orange and sarsaparilla are also added to this mixture. One teaspoon (5 ml) of dry tea leaves is usually steeped in hot water for about seven minutes, depending on the desired strength and taste.

The remaining brewed tea is often used to make children's desserts.

Some people make ice cream out of this tea by pouring it into ice cube trays and adding pieces of fruit, such as strawberries. For convenience, when preparing such frozen treats, you can use wooden or plastic sticks. Other recipes suggest using leftover licorice tea when making homemade fruit salads instead of syrup. Despite the sugar content, this tea is low in calories (or kilojoules).

Licorice tea, which is rich in vitaminsB and cancer-fighting alkaloids, this is not just a delicious tea.

Although the knowledge passed down from generation to generation about this tea by traditional healers and people who drink it has not yet been tested in official research, herbalists confidently say that Licorice root tea may relieve diarrhea and sore throat, and relieve stomach ulcers by coating the mucous membrane. Some say this antibacterial tea can treat staph infections. It also claims to be a laxative. It is often used as a diuretic by women who want to relieve premenstrual bloating. To reap all the above-mentioned benefits of licorice tea, it is typically consumed two to three times a day for three days.

Excessive consumption of licorice tea is possible. In too large quantities, this tea has been found to cause hypertension and increase blood sugar levels. In addition to these serious side effects, licorice tea can cause your body to lose too much potassium. Potassium is among the nutrients found in licorice tea, but it may not be enough to balance the resulting loss.

Most herbalists believe that for a person with good health It is permissible to drink licorice tea several times a week for no more than four months in a row. Children, according to nutritionists, can be given this tea or desserts made from it for no more than two days in a row. For those who suffer from diabetes, glaucoma and vertigo, some experts recommend avoiding this tea completely. People who regularly drink licorice tea should check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels if they have concerns about its side effects.

The sweetest root, 50 times sweeter than sugar, is licorice root, known under the names licorice, licorice, yellow root (glycyrrhiza, glycyrrhim glabra), yastimadhu (Sanskrit), mulethi (Hindi), licorice/liquorice), sweetwood. Licorice is well known and has long been used in various healing systems for many problems.

Chinese doctors classified licorice root as a first-class medicine and tried to include it in all medicinal mixtures. Licorice is also good for its own medicinal properties, both for its pleasant taste and sweetness, so it is often added to various medical mixtures to smooth out unpleasant tastes.

This is what the Charaka Samhita says:

“Licorice has the following characteristics: promotes longevity, helps in the treatment of bone fractures and wound healing, improves complexion of the skin, improves the voice, relieves itching (itching), reduces vomiting, reduces bleeding, restores the correct color of urine.

Ayurvedic characteristics:

Taste (rasa) – sweet (madhura)
Vipaka (aftertaste) – sweet (madhura)
Characteristics/properties (guna, properties) - heavy (guru) and a little oily
Energy (viirya, virya, potency) – cold (sheeta)

Licorice is used in snehana (oiling is a preparatory procedure before starting); in Vamana (Ayurvedic vomiting), during Basti (rectal enemas with decoctions).”

Most often, licorice root is used for for dry cough. It intensifies the inflammatory process for a short time, increases the volume of mucus, removing microbes from the lungs. A dry cough (vata stage) develops into a wet cough (kapha stage). Kapha begins to be eliminated (by coughing), and rapid recovery occurs. When coughing (accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract), licorice is used to remove mucus in a short course as an expectorant.

Licorice is used both at the onset of the disease and in advanced forms of pneumonia and damage to the upper respiratory tract, and in tuberculosis. For a long dry cough, an infusion is prepared from equal parts of licorice, marshmallow and elecampane roots. 2 tsp pour 400 ml of cold boiled water into this mixture and leave for 8 hours. Take 100 ml before meals 2 times a day.

With prolonged use of medium doses of licorice, mucus accumulates, therefore, if we are talking only about removing mucus (for example, with a wet cough), it is better to use something else (or rather, a set of measures; little works alone). Licorice is an excellent remedy for throat problems and improving a hoarse voice. At hoarse voice It is recommended to chew licorice sticks and slowly swallow the resulting juice. This is a favorite remedy among singers. Also, for a hoarse voice, eat 1/2 tsp. licorice root powder with melted butter or honey.

Licorice is used for ulcers, high acidity, burning urination.

Licorice is a good aphrodisiac; it increases the quantity and quality of sperm.

Licorice treats wounds and inflammation associated with wounds.

Externally effectively used for.

Neutralizes the harmful effects of poisons and toxins. In Chinese medicine it is used to treat food poisoning and its harmful effects.

Contains antidepressant compounds and helps with

It is a tonic for the brain and slows down aging.

According to Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana 1.3), regular intake of 2 gm of licorice powder, along with 1/2 cup of warm milk acts as an excellent brain tonic and anti-aging agent.

Charaka mentions licorice as a source of vegetable oil.

Licorice is included in the famous facial massage oil Kumkumadi Tailam, the main ingredients of which are saffron and licorice (also includes manjishta, dashamul (a mixture of 10 roots), gokshura and a dozen other components infused with sesame oil and goat milk. (taken from Astanga Hridaya Bhaishajya Ratnavali – 60/115-120).

It has blood purifying properties, improves the quality and quantity of blood, is useful for increased bleeding, antipyretic (these are high indicators, and licorice reduces pitta).

Licorice preparations are sold in different forms– capsules, tablets, lozenges, syrup, cream, lozenges, dried roots, dried root powder. Licorice Candy (long strings of licorice syrup) is very common in North America.

Use as directed by your doctor or manufacturer (usually the instructions print average doses for average conditions).

When preparing medications yourself, be careful not to exceed the indicated doses.

Although licorice root syrup is widely sold in pharmacies, but if anyone has to cook on your own:

Preparing the decoction:
Place 10 grams of dried and crushed root in an enamel container, pour 1 glass of boiling water, keep in a water bath for 15 minutes, then leave without a water bath for another 45 minutes to infuse, strain, add boiled water to 200 ml. Take 100 ml 2-3 times a day after meals.

Preparing the infusion:
1 tsp Fry the dried roots in a frying pan, pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour to 7 hours. It is recommended to drink 1/3 cup.

Licorice tea:
The crushed root can be brewed as tea by adding various herbs (mint, lemon balm).

Licorice syrup:
You need to buy root extract at the pharmacy. Mix 4 grams of extract, 10 grams of alcohol and 80 grams of sugar syrup. Keep refrigerated.
For children under 2 years old, 1-2 drops per 1 tsp is enough. water or tea, from 2 – 1/2 tsp. syrup with water, closer to 12 years old, 40 ml of licorice syrup with 100 g of water or tea is recommended.

Licorice leaves are not used as medicinal raw materials, but in folk medicine A paste of crushed leaves is recommended for sweaty feet.

Sometimes licorice leaf extract is used in the production of cosmetics to improve the quality of hyaluronic acid.

Licorice root syrup is given to children for coughs. It tastes good, kids drink it with pleasure. The course of treatment with syrup cannot be more than 10 days.

During treatment with syrup, side effects may occur: rash, itching, swelling, inflammation of the skin, diarrhea. In these cases, treatment should be stopped.

Adults without medical supervision can use licorice for no longer than 4-6 weeks. This applies to large daily doses, from 5 to 15 g per day.

Many experts say that long-term use can be safe if low doses are used.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Long-term use of the herb or more than a dose causes swelling, irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, increases blood pressure, leads to menstrual irregularities, decreased male libido, hair loss, and a feeling of chronic fatigue.

Licorice promotes the removal of potassium from the body, so its use is excluded when taking diuretics.

Licorice is contraindicated during pregnancy (can cause premature birth) and while breastfeeding.

Taking licorice should not be combined with taking other cough medications (cough suppressants), as it has an expectorant (cough stimulating) effect. The tincture must be washed down with plenty of water, this helps with the removal of sputum.

It is not recommended to take licorice along with medications for heart failure, as this can lead to arrhythmia and even cardiac arrest. Also, licorice is not prescribed for high blood pressure and low potassium levels.

Licorice root has a sickly sweet taste, and the taste can cause nausea and vomiting in some people. This sickly sweet taste of licorice can be avoided by frying the root in a dry frying pan. The taste will improve significantly.

Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar, so it is often added to various medicinal mixtures to smooth out unpleasant tastes.

Licorice widely used in cooking in the form of extracts, syrups, as a sugar substitute and foaming agent in soft drinks, beer, kvass, tonic drinks; for better whipping of egg whites.

Licorice is used:
– for the production of coffee, cocoa, marinades, compotes, jelly, flour products, halva, caramel, marshmallow and chocolate
– for sauerkraut, soaking apples and lingonberries
– as a flavoring additive when processing fish
– licorice leaves are used as an additive to long and green tea, as a tea surrogate, tea substitute
(about cooking taken from Wikipedia).

Licorice is widely used in everyday life:
– extract from licorice roots is used to improve the taste of tobacco products, the production of surrogate cigarettes with a low content of harmful substances, and chewing gum
– licorice extract is used in soap making, in the production of glue, in mixtures for fire extinguishers, for etching metals, to impart viscosity to cement solutions, in well drilling technology for oil and gas production
– from the fibers of licorice stems, burlap and ropes are produced, used for dyeing wool and silk fabrics, in the production of ink, watercolor paints, shoe polish
– Licorice leaves are harvested as biomass for livestock, and bees are fed with licorice extract.

This is such a wonderful plant, licorice (licorice), highly valued by doctors and traditional medicine since ancient times!

What else is used for coughs and colds besides licorice:

Was last modified: March 12th, 2019 by consultant

Liquorice (licorice glabra) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Legume family. Used in medical and food industries, as a foaming agent. It grows wild in North Africa, France, Italy, Western and Central Asia, and Southeast Europe. Cultivated in areas with temperate climates. Licorice prefers brackish, sandy soil and thrives in chernozem clay soils. Licorice grows in steppes, semi-deserts, along irrigation canals, roads, on sand and shell ramparts, in the valleys of steppe rivers, forming dense thickets.

Liquorice is a medicinal plant, on the basis of which expectorants, diuretics, and laxatives are produced. In addition, the herb contains saponins, which have an enveloping effect. According to experimental data, it has been proven that medicines produced from licorice accelerate the healing of ulcers.

In Tibet, it is believed that licorice root “improves the functioning of the six senses and promotes longevity.”

In addition to its medical uses, licorice is used in metallurgy as a foaming agent for filling fire extinguishers. It is used in the manufacture of shoe polish, ink, ink, in the textile industry for fixing paints, and in the tobacco industry for the purpose of flavoring and improving the taste of snuff, smoking, and chewing tobacco.

Botanical description

The root is woody, multi-headed, thick: vertical and penetrating 2-5 meters. In addition, a complex network of 5-30 stolon roots emanates from it, lying at a depth of 35 centimeters, up to 2 meters long. The shoots are brown on the outside, yellowish at the break.

The leaves consist of 3-10 pairs of entire, oblong-ovate, oval leaflets, 5-20 centimeters long, with a point at the apex. Regular imparipinnate. Their surface is covered with sticky dotted glands. At the bottom of the leaf there are small, awl-shaped paired appendages that fall off at the time of flowering.

Liquorice stems are erect, short-fluffy, simple or slightly branched, from 0.5 to 2 meters high.

The flowers are arranged in loose 5-8-axillary racemes, reaching 8-12 millimeters in diameter. The length of the peduncle is 3-5 centimeters. On the surface of the calyx there are narrow lanceolate teeth, equal in size to the tube. The corolla is irregular, moth-like, whitish-violet.

The fruit is a bean with seeds (from 2 to 6 pieces), straight or curved, leathery, rich brown in color, 4-6 millimeters wide, 2-3 centimeters long, covered with glandular spines (sometimes bare). The seeds are greenish-gray, kidney-shaped, shiny.

Flowering period is June-August, fruit harvesting period is August-September.

Licorice is bred vegetatively or from seeds.

Chemical composition

The energy ratio of licorice B:F:U is 0%:0%:100%. 100 grams of the plant contains 375.

Licorice roots contain:

  • polysaccharides, fatty acids (3-4%);
  • and disaccharides (up to 20%);
  • , tannins (8.3-14.2%);
  • (4-6 %);
  • resinous and bitter agents (2-4% each);
  • (3-4 %);
  • essential oils (and their derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, terpenoids, aromatic compounds);
  • (fumaric, );
  • phenolcarboxylic acids (salicylic, sinomic, ferulic);
  • triterpene saponins;
  • coumarins;
  • alkaloids;
  • steroids
  • minerals (,).

In the ground part of licorice the following are concentrated:

  • tanning compounds (5.5%);
  • (2%);
  • (6%);
  • coumarins (1.9-2.4%);
  • essential oils (0.02%);
  • organic acids (up to 2.5%);
  • flavonoids (kaempferol, isoquercitrin, quercetin);
  • betaine;
  • saponins;
  • triterpenoids;
  • vitamins A, C, E;
  • minerals (,).

Medicinal properties

Since ancient times, licorice has gained fame as an indispensable healer of protracted bronchitis. The properties of the plant to expectorate and separate sputum are widely used in official, folk medicine to this day. Based on licorice, tablets and syrups are made for coughs, ulcers, constipation, gout, rheumatism, skin diseases, intoxication of the body with toxic substances, including chemical drugs. A decoction of licorice root is a means of combating nicotine addiction; it has secretolytic, diuretic, and antibacterial effects. Fights chronic colic.

Healing properties:

  1. Has an anti-inflammatory effect. Helps with fever, enhances the therapeutic effect of drugs. Eliminates inflammatory reactions in the bladder and kidneys.
  2. Has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Stimulates secretion, promotes the removal of phlegm and microbes from the bronchi. Licorice is used for laryngitis to restore the voice and protracted, prolonged cough that has developed against the background of tuberculosis, tonsillitis, and pneumonia.
  3. Has an antispasmodic effect. Supports heart function, eliminates smooth muscle spasms, helps with thyroid diseases and low blood pressure.
  4. Normalizes water-salt metabolism, increases the body's resistance to lack of oxygen, normalizes the cycle and relieves painful premenstrual sensations in women.
  5. Licorice root is an antidote. The plant contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that neutralizes the effects of toxins.
  6. Restores the functioning of the pancreas, increases the body's production of its own insulin. Glycyrrhizic acid is obtained from licorice, which is used as a natural sweetener for diabetes. In addition, licorice prevents atherosclerosis, normalizes blood levels and the functioning of the adrenal glands.
  7. Suppresses the growth of malignant cells. Used in the treatment of prostate adenoma and cancer.
  8. Has wound-healing, enveloping effects. It is used as a mild laxative and a remedy for the treatment of stomach ulcers and gastritis.
  9. Improves the condition of the skin. Used to treat allergies accompanied by peeling of the dermis: bronchial asthma, urticaria, dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus.
  10. Shows antidepressant properties, reduces fatigue, increases the tone of the central nervous system.
  11. Used to restore joint mobility in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.
  12. Improves the condition of the body after radiation damage.
  13. Prevents heartburn, improves food digestion, regulates the secretion of gastric juice.
  14. Prevents liver cirrhosis.
  15. Strengthens the immune system.

To avoid caries and inflammation in the mouth, it is recommended to chew a piece of licorice root after each meal. In Japan and the USA, the plant is used to combat tobacco addiction.

Indications for use

  1. Predisposition to diabetes mellitus or progression of the disease.
  2. Problems with digestion and joints.
  3. Wounds after injuries, ulcers, inflammation in the oral cavity.
  4. Caries.
  5. Violation of water-salt metabolism.
  6. Weak immunity, tendency to frequent viral and colds.
  7. Problems with the menstrual cycle.
  8. Irregular bowel movements.
  9. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract, thyroid gland, heart, liver, bladder, kidneys.
  10. Neuralgia.

Contraindications

  1. Hypertension.
  2. Individual intolerance, tendency to allergies.
  3. Pregnancy and lactation.
  4. When taken simultaneously with diuretics. Otherwise, licorice can cause myopathy, hypokalemia, and muscle atrophy.
  5. When using drugs against heart failure. The simultaneous use of these drugs and licorice contributes to the development of arrhythmia, and in severe conditions can be fatal.
  6. Children under 3 years old.
  7. Renal dysfunction.
  8. Overweight, obesity.

Liquorice is taken only as prescribed by a doctor in strictly prescribed quantities. Abuse leads to a decrease in male libido, the appearance of edema, hair loss, menstrual irregularities in women, and the development of a feeling of chronic fatigue.

  1. This is a natural foaming agent used in baking bakery products, making kvass, ( soft drinks). Liquorice is used to treat meat and fish to prevent spoilage. It is a natural sweetener in confectionery products. Additionally, licorice leaves can be brewed as a substitute or added to enhance the taste of the drink.
  2. Licorice extract is used to impart viscosity to cement mortars, in the production of glue, soap making, for pickling metals, in fire extinguisher mixtures, and in oil and gas production using drilling technology.
  3. To improve the taste of tobacco products, production of chewing gum and surrogate cigarettes with a minimum amount of harmful substances.
  4. For dyeing fabrics (wool and silk), creating watercolors.
  5. For the production of ropes, burlap (from fibers of plant stems).
  6. For feeding bees, as livestock feed (from the green part of licorice).

Liquorice candies - good or bad?

These are confectionery products with a specific, memorable taste that comes from licorice root. Properly prepared licorice candies are a delicacy and medicine for the human body. As a rule, they are viscous and visually resemble chewing marmalade. Production technology: the roots of the plant are soaked, peeled from the outer shell, and boiled. The resulting beneficial extract is poured into molds to harden. It contains a sweet component (glycerrosin). Next, the extract is processed, and the resulting product is licorice caramel, which can be sweet or salty, hard or sticky like chewing gum.

Interestingly, the consumption of licorice sweets is a national trait of the Danes.

Licorice sweets strengthen the immune system, protect a person from colds and viral diseases. In addition, they stimulate blood circulation (glycerin), have diuretic and laxative effects, and supply the body with pectin substances and ascorbic acid.

According to the traditional recipe, licorice sweets include:

  • licorice root;
  • sugar;
  • syrup;
  • gloss mixture (anise oil or beeswax);
  • or agar-agar, gum arabic.

100 grams of licorice candies contain 385 calories, the B:F:U ratio is 4%:23%:72%. People who are overweight should avoid eating high-calorie sweets.

Procurement rules

The roots of the plant are collected in the fall, when the green part of the licorice has begun to die, or in the early spring, while it is dormant. The raw materials are chosen to be no shorter than 25 centimeters long and no less than 1 centimeter thick. Only such plant roots have powerful healing properties. The raw materials are washed under water, cut and smoothed to dry.

Under no circumstances should the roots be subjected to heat treatment in the oven, since high temperature destroys beneficial substances. The dried raw materials are placed in a linen bag or glass container and tightly closed with a lid.

Shelf life – up to 5 years.

Folk recipes

  1. From prostate adenoma. Method for preparing the decoction: grind dried licorice root (15 grams), pour in (400 milliliters), cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Cool the resulting drug and strain. Take 150 milliliters 3 times a day, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 21 days. Then you should take a break for 3 weeks. During this period, take a decoction of burdock roots. Alternate courses until the condition improves.
  2. For bronchial asthma. To prepare a medicinal infusion, boil 30 grams of licorice root in 500 milliliters of water for 10 minutes. Cool and strain. Take 15 milliliters 4 times a day.
  3. For cough. Licorice has a softening effect on the respiratory tract and accelerates the removal of mucus. The syrup is taken for whooping cough, pneumonia, tracheitis, bronchitis, allergic cough, asthma. To prepare the product sugar syrup(100 milliliters), licorice root extract (5 grams), medical alcohol (10 grams) are thoroughly mixed, poured into a glass container, covered with a lid and placed in the refrigerator. Take licorice syrup 3 times a day after meals, 5-10 milliliters (depending on the age and body weight of the patient), diluted with water.

Remember, to enhance the antitussive effect, preparations containing licorice rhizomes should be washed down with plenty of water.

  1. For weight loss. Licorice speeds up metabolic processes, helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body, reduces the production of gastric juice, and suppresses appetite. Thus, licorice reduces cravings for sweet, fatty foods. To prepare a weight loss product, add 5 grams of dry licorice roots to 200 milliliters of water, leave for 1 hour, and filter. Take 15 milliliters before meals.
  2. For ulcers, gastritis. Has anti-inflammatory properties. The principle of preparing a water tincture: fry 10 grams of licorice roots in a dry frying pan, pour 500 milliliters of boiling water, leave for 8 hours. After the specified time, filter the drink and take 35 drops three times a day.

If, after consuming drugs containing licorice root, itching, diarrhea, skin rashes, swelling, nausea or vomiting occur, stop taking them immediately. Children are not recommended to take licorice for longer than 10 days, and adults - 6 weeks.

Conclusion

Licorice is a unique plant known for its enveloping, expectorant, laxative, antiallergic, antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties. It treats and prevents the development of diseases of the respiratory tract and heart. Licorice contains substances that are similar in effect to steroid hormones, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the body.

Licorice root fights diseases of the digestive system, stimulates the dissolution of plaques in blood vessels, reduces blood levels, helps with fatigue, and eliminates the manifestations of allergic dermatitis. A decoction or infusion of licorice copes with chronic constipation and is effective for arthritis and poisoning. In addition, it is a natural remedy for strengthening the immune system, preventing influenza and ARVI diseases.

To preserve beneficial properties, licorice roots are dug up in late autumn, cleared of soil, and dried in the sun. Store in a dark, dry, cool place. The product is contraindicated for people with a high degree of allergenicity and during pregnancy and lactation.

A fragrant, delicate and refreshing drink that gives coolness - this is about tea. There are many varieties and varieties of this wonderful drink - let's talk about them.

Oolong

Oolong means “dark dragon” and combines the properties of both red - a bright aroma, and green - a rich taste. There are two subspecies - closer to green teas, the degree of fermentation is less and closer to red teas, the degree of fermentation is greater.

The color range of the tea leaves is from pale jade to dark golden and dark red. The redder the tea, the more it helps in weight loss, due to the polyphenols it contains. The history of such teas goes back about 300-400 years. This type of tea is used in the “gong fu cha” ceremony, which can be translated as “highest tea skill.” In total, no more than thirty varieties of oolong are known in the world, all of them are produced exclusively in China.

In addition to high taste and aesthetic qualities, oolong teas affect physical and mental health. Oolongs are distinguished by good extractivity, contain a large amount of essential oils, are also distinguished by tannin, the caffeine content in highly fermented teas is higher than in weakly fermented ones. Oolongs contain more than 400 types of chemical compounds beneficial to the human body. The main ones are: polyphenol compounds, caffeine, vitamins C, D, E, K, B1, B6, B3, B12, calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, magnesium, selenium, zinc, manganese, etc. Manganese promotes the absorption of vitamin C by the body , strengthens the body's resistance to disease and prevents the formation of tumors. The rich content of vitamins in Oolong tea helps strengthen the fibrous tissue of the walls of blood vessels and prevents thrombophlebitis. Flavonoid promotes metabolism, helps the rejection of dead cells from the surface of the skin and the appearance of new young cells, which maintains good skin condition; reduces wrinkles, promotes rejuvenation.

With regular consumption of tea, obese people lose weight and improve their figure (the polyphenol compounds contained in Oolong tea break down and remove fat from the human body, and the efficiency of fat breakdown and removal in Oolong tea is better than that of any other tea). Therefore, Oolong tea is an exceptional natural remedy for weight loss. Oolong tea improves metabolism. Four cups of oolong allows you to burn the calories of a small dessert, which is beneficial for your figure.

Passion flower or passionflower (Passíflōra).

There are 500 species of passionflower, it grows in tropical Africa, especially in Brazil and Peru, a few species are found in tropical Asia and Australia, in the Mediterranean, and one species on the island of Madagascar.

This drink made from passionflower flowers has a unique calming effect. If you feel like a “bundle of nerves,” then drink passionflower tea.

Tea helps with insomnia. Brew a cool drink and drink throughout the day to maintain a calm state.
The herb of many passion flowers has medicinal properties and is used in folk medicine. For example, passionflower, known as "bat", was used by Indians at the end of the 16th century to treat liver diseases. Passiflora sexocellata - for eye diseases; other types - as a laxative.
The medicinal properties of passionflower are recognized by official medicine; drugs such as Novo-Passit and Central-B are made from its extract.

Mint


Mint is classified as a medicinal plant, so mint tea has many healing properties. It quenches thirst, refreshes, gives strength, and improves digestion. At the same time, mint tea relieves nervous tension, relaxes and restores strength.

Peppermint tea is a very good helper for colds, makes breathing easier, and is effective for migraines. Menthol, extracts of which are made from mint leaves, has this effect on the body.

Tea with mint is also useful for people with cardiovascular diseases, it normalizes blood pressure and promotes normal heart function. Stops abdominal pain in smooth muscles, which facilitates digestion. Peppermint tea relaxes the gastrointestinal tract and relieves cramps, constipation, bloating, gases - relieves stress in the digestive system.

Peppermint tea is considered a women's tea because it tends to reduce the level of male hormones in the body. This reduces hair growth in women in unwanted places. It also helps with women's problems, mint helps relieve pain, regulates the menstrual cycle, and improves the condition during menopause.

For men mint tea drinking is not recommended, since it reduces the amount of testosterone in the blood and has a very calming effect on a man, reducing his excitability.

Ginger tea

Ginger is a spice that has been known for many centuries. Useful properties ginger were described already 5 thousand years ago. Bread with the addition of this spice has become widespread in Europe. It has been noted that it improves digestion and helps fight various infections, including intestinal ones. During epidemics, ancient healers advised chewing fresh ginger. Ancient Chinese sailors noted another amazing property of ginger - the plant helps against motion sickness. If you get motion sickness in transport, take a small piece of fresh ginger with you and chew it.

Green tea

Green tea is tea that has undergone minimal fermentation or oxidation. Green and black tea are obtained from the leaves of the same tea bush, but in different ways. Green tea is often pre-fixed with steam at a temperature of 170-180 °C; oxidation lasts no more than two days, after which it is usually stopped by heating (traditionally in pots, as is customary in China, or under steam, as is customary in Japan) or is not carried out at all. Tea turns out to be oxidized by 3-12%.

The numerous East Asian varieties of green tea exhibit marked differences due to the conditions in which the tea leaves are grown, harvested, and processed. Green tea comes from China. Tea contains polyphenols, particularly catechins, the most common of which is epigallocatechin gallate. Green tea also contains carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), minerals such as chromium, manganese, selenium and zinc and some phytochemicals. This is a strong antioxidant. Research has shown that green tea may reduce the risk of heart disease, dental caries, kidney stones and cancer.

Green tea is an ideal drink for weight loss. Tea fights hunger pangs, reduces appetite, gives you energy, no less than sugar or coffee, and contains zero calories! The benefits of green tea have been known since ancient times. For hundreds of years it has been used as a medicine for various ailments. The main composition of tea includes about 500 elements: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, fluorine, etc., 450 types of organic compounds: proteins, fats, etc., and almost all groups of vitamins.

Green tea activates physical and mental activity, normal functioning of all body systems. increases performance, thanks to it, we feel a surge of strength and vigor.

Women need to drink in a special way green tea. For example, it is better to avoid green tea during menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as before childbirth.

Green tea is still considered a cure for a hundred diseases. After all, thanks to the catechins it contains, green tea is an excellent antioxidant. It perfectly removes toxins, burns fats and provides your body with all the necessary vitamins. Green tea can be beneficial in case of poisoning, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and at the first signs of cancer. It will help you lose excess weight, make it easier to bear stress and increase your performance, but green tea is not recommended for those who suffer from insomnia, tachycardia, and increased excitability.

All the magic can be ruined if green tea is consumed incorrectly. In this case, it will do more harm than good. You can drink green tea after meals, it improves digestion, do not drink green tea on an empty stomach, it irritates the mucous membrane of the stomach, which begins to “digest” itself.

Do not alternate green tea and alcohol! This can damage your kidneys. Don't drink it green tea medicines or pills. Since high-quality green tea perfectly removes all harmful chemicals, it can significantly reduce the effectiveness of medications.

Choose high-quality varieties of this drink. If you decide to buy green tea after hearing about its benefits and wonderful properties, then it is better to refuse cheap tea bags. In such products, the manufacturer places greater emphasis on low cost and ease of brewing, forgetting that crushed tea leaves lose most of their properties when oxidized in air.

Black tea

Black tea improves immunity and slows down the aging process, has antibacterial properties, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, invigorates and improves performance, relieves stomach cramps and stops nausea, dilates blood vessels.

Strong black tea with a little sugar added increases blood pressure. The mechanism of action here is as follows: caffeine, which is in tea, stimulates the cerebral cortex, dilates blood vessels and improves blood supply. The result of this is that the blood vessels in the brain become toned and, accordingly, the pressure rises.

Tea leaves contain vitamin B1, which helps with headaches and drowsiness, at the first signs of hypotension. In this case, black tea increases blood pressure.

Black tea lowers blood pressure - concentration and dosage are important. Since black tea contains caffeine, known for its invigorating and tonic properties, it is advisable for hypertensive patients to drink not too strong tea and no more than 2-3 times a day. It is also undesirable to exclude it from your diet. Along with its tonic and stimulating effect, black tea contains a high concentration of vitamins such as group B, P and PP; they strengthen the walls of blood vessels, giving them elasticity.

Important to know:

- black tea with lemon regulates blood pressure - useful for both hypotension and hypertension, while lemon enhances useful qualities tea;

— tea with milk has a diuretic effect;

- adding a lot of sugar to tea, you destroy the B vitamins contained in it;

— consuming large amounts of tea leads to leaching of magnesium from the body.

Strong black tea can be harmful to your health; weak black tea is no pleasure. Find a middle ground and drink this unique drink.

From licorice root

Licorice or Liquorice ( Glycyrrhiza) is a perennial herb of the legume family. It has a strong, tall, straight stem, odd-pinnate leaves, 20 cm long, purple or lilac flowers, collected in sparse racemes. It has thick rhizomes that lie deep underground and form complex weaves. The rhizomes have a sweet taste and a yellowish color at the break.

Licorice root has a sickly sweet taste, it is used to improve the taste of many medicines, it is used for medicinal purposes, most often licorice is used to prepare various dosage forms for colds and flu, but its antifungal properties are also known. In China, licorice is one of the main natural laxatives. Licorice has a wide range of substances beneficial to the human body.

However, many people find the taste nauseating. To avoid this, when making preparations from licorice root at home, it should be fried in a dry frying pan, as a result of which its taste will significantly improve.

The composition of licorice root (or licorice root) includes ascorbic acid, minerals, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose, essential oil, organic acids, resins, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, alcohols and hydrocarbons , higher fatty acids, yellow pigment.

The aerial part of the plant also contains carbohydrates, polysaccharides, organic acids, saponins, tannins, nitrogenous compounds, and essential oil. But for medicinal purposes, only the roots and rhizomes of the plant are used.

Medicinal properties of licorice

Treatment of respiratory organs. It is effectively used in the treatment of dry, prolonged cough due to pneumonia, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, and to restore voice during laryngitis.

It has anti-inflammatory properties, enhances the therapeutic effect of other drugs, enhancing their therapeutic effect, which is why licorice root is added to many medicinal herbal preparations. Helps with feverish conditions. Has an antispasmodic effect, relieves spasms of smooth muscles, stabilizes work cardiovascular system, supports heart function in pathologies, helps with low blood pressure, and with diseases of the thyroid gland.

Helps restore pancreatic function by increasing the body's production of its own insulin, which is, in fact, one of the ways to treat diabetes; glycyrrhizic acid, obtained from licorice, is used as a sweetener for diabetes.

Since ancient times, licorice root has been used as an antidote. Glycyrrhizin, which is part of it, neutralizes the effect of many toxins that enter the body. Glycyrrhizin is a substance that is a mixture of potassium and calcium salts of tribasic glycyrrhizic acid. The most important pharmacological property is the stimulating effect of glycyrrhizic acid, which promotes rapid recovery from gastric and duodenal ulcers. This same acid gives licorice its sweet taste, which is why it can be used as a food sweetener for diabetics. And it is the presence of glycyrrhizic acid that allows you to take licorice for poisoning, infectious diseases, and manifestations of intoxication. This is an excellent detoxifying agent that neutralizes the toxic effects of chemical drugs. Thanks to glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetic acids, it has become possible to use licorice for Addison's disease and metabolic disorders in the body.

Licorice can suppress the growth and development of cancer cells, which makes it indispensable in the treatment of cancer, as well as prostate adenoma. In combination with other herbs, it is used to treat gastritis, gastric ulcers and as a mild laxative, used to treat allergic diseases: eczema, allergic dermatitis, psoriasis, bronchial asthma, urticaria, lupus.

In small doses, licorice preparations effectively treat inflammatory processes in the kidneys and bladder. Used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and other joint diseases. It has antidepressant properties and is successfully used to increase the tone of the central nervous system, especially in old age, and reduces fatigue.

In the USA and Japan it is used to treat tobacco addiction.

Licorice tea is recommended for people suffering from diabetes because it helps regulate blood sugar levels. This tea is also useful for weight loss. The plant contains 27 flavonoids, ascorbic acid, steroids, estriol, some gum, resin, essential oil and asparagine. Flavonoids have a multifaceted effect on the body - as an antispasmodic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory.

Suppresses cravings for sweets. This drink tastes sweet, but has only 2 calories per cup. Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar, so just a few drops of the drink will satisfy your sweet cravings. It is worth remembering that the maximum daily intake of licorice root is 20 grams; exceeding it will lead to an increase in blood pressure. Licorice is a natural remedy that can help fight the virus that causes various forms of herpes.

In laboratory studies, it was found that the use of licorice root promotes normal, healthy liver function, and the anti-inflammatory properties of licorice help get rid of yeast infections and fungi, bacteria that lead to its occurrence. Licorice root is often included in medicinal creams, gels and ointments to relieve itching in psoriasis and eczema.

Contraindications:

- You should not take licorice preparations during pregnancy, as the plant has abortifacient properties.

- cholestatic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, renal failure and hypertension

— the duration of treatment should not exceed 6 weeks. An overdose is fraught with poisoning, the symptoms of which are: headache, hypertension, lethargy; in rare cases, an overdose can cause cardiac arrest;

- taking licorice should be combined with taking foods rich in potassium, since the plant has a diuretic effect, which causes potassium salts to be washed out of the body;

- the use of licorice preparations in large quantities can lead to impotence.

People suffering from eye diseases should avoid taking licorice or consult a doctor about taking licorice medications.

Valerian


Tea with valerian is a healthy, tasty drink that can quench your thirst and also has a number of healing properties. Valerian is a common plant in folk medicine; its properties have been known to mankind since the time of Hippocrates, who went down in history as the “father of medicine.” It is used as a sedative and helps to sleep during headaches and stomach pains. A decoction of this plant has been used since ancient times, as long as valerian itself has been known to mankind. Valerian root is used exclusively.

Method for preparing a valerian drink:

Two teaspoons of finely chopped valerian root and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. The container must be tightly closed and allowed to brew for ten minutes. Valerian tea is ready.

Healing properties of tea

Tea with valerian perfectly helps with nervous excitement and perfectly calms the nervous system. Valerian is also effectively used for spasmodic pain in the gastrointestinal tract, neurotic palpitations and insomnia - it is an excellent sedative for nervous anxiety and anxiety. Valerian can be used to relieve pain in the stomach, intestines, liver, heart area, gall bladder and constipation.

Contraindications for use and side effects

Like any other medicinal plant, valerian and valerian tea may have their contraindications. Most often, side effects from valerian and tea made from it occur in people who suffer from individual intolerance to this plant. Some people who suffer from hypertension may even experience the opposite effect of valerian, causing them to become agitated, which causes noticeable sleep disturbance. Valerian also increases blood clotting levels. Therefore, sometimes it must be taken only after the approval of the attending physician.

Valerian drink should not be consumed for more than two months. When taken for a long time, it disrupts the functioning of the digestive system and can provoke a feeling of nausea. After stopping the use, the side effects completely disappear.

Nettle

Nettle is not just a weed, it has medicinal properties and has long been used in medicine, cooking and cosmetology. IN chemical composition Nettle contains a number of microelements (iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, etc.), vitamins (in particular vitamin C), tannins and protein. Therefore, its benefits to the body are invaluable. Tea from the plant is prescribed for the treatment of many diseases. nettles

Nettle tea has a diuretic effect, improves metabolism, and is indicated for liver and gall bladder diseases. It is also recommended for rheumatism and gout. Eating nettle helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and cleanse the blood. Normalizes the female cycle, and in nursing mothers helps increase milk production.

It is important to know that in case of kidney and heart failure, nettle tea is contraindicated, like many herbs that have a diuretic effect. Helps with allergies. In the spring, many people experience symptoms of hay fever: stuffy nose, sore throat, red eyes, swollen face... Nettle is an organic antihistamine that relieves itchy and congested noses. It is effective to take 300 mg of the drink twice a day. You can add honey and other herbs for taste.

You can use fresh or dried nettle leaves to make tea. Place the leaves in a saucepan, add water and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil over low heat and immediately turn off the heat. Let it brew for 30 minutes, drink 15 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

Nettle is very often used in various herbal preparations. Nettle goes well with rose hips. You can take 2 tbsp. spoons of nettle leaves and a handful of rose hips, pour boiling water (2 liters) over the collection and leave for 2 hours in a thermos. It turns out very tasty, and most importantly, healthy tea.

Fireweed angustifolia (Ivan tea)


Fireweed (scientific name: angustifolia fireweed) is a perennial plant of the fireweed family.

Throughout its history of existence in nature, fireweed has acquired many names, most of which are due to certain properties or characteristic features of this medicinal plant. Having a pleasant taste and aroma, a drink based on brewed fireweed tea not only perfectly quenches thirst, both hot and cold, but also has a wide range of health benefits.

Therapeutic and prophylactic effect

  • Tones and relieves fatigue, gives strength and vigor.
  • With regular use, it strengthens the immune system and increases vitality.

Ivan tea improves blood composition and helps increase hemoglobin levels. With regular use, it helps restore normal acid-base balance in the blood. Iron, vitamin C, B vitamins, copper, manganese, and nickel contained in willow tea improve hematopoietic function. Increases absorption efficiency useful substances from consumed food products, and also help improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. They have an anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect, increase the effectiveness of the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Find your tea and drink this unique drink for the benefit of yourself and your body.

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