Licorice Root - History and Properties
Licorice, the sweet root of Glycyrrhiza paraneoplastica, is the generic name for the species Glycyrrhiza Glabra, an aromatic flowering plant of the mint family Labiatae containing a sugar cane with a glycyrrhizic acid content. The Latin name of this plant is "Glycyrrhizia". The common word in English for licorice is "licorice". In Australia the English name is "labiatae", whereas in most European languages the generic term is "licoricea".
Both licorice and its tree bearing counterpart "glycyrrhizia" are members of the mint family, Lamiaceae. As with many members of this genera, the species Glycyrrhiza has flowers that bear fruits, a trait shared by some members of the cucurbitaceae family, such as "greens", "bitter", "coriander", "grapefruit", and "wild lettuce". Some members of this genera bear fruit on stalks, called "corms", and some members bear fruit on leaves, known as "astringent" or "pistachios". The flowers, called "palmar aphetamines" in the scientific community, bear two conspicuous petals: white, fleshy one, and a black, leathery one. It is a reddish-orange berry that is in the shape of a half moon, somewhat rounded at the tip. It has a bitter taste.
Licorice has been used by many ancient civilizations as a medicinal and energizing herb. Its traditional medicinal uses date back to ancient Greece, where it was used as a treatment for drunkenness, dropsy, consumption of certain poisons, convulsions, and as an antidote to poisonous vinegar. It was also used as a flavoring ingredient in Greek and ancient Roman drinks. Later in medieval times, licorice was recommended for treating consumption of wine and wormwood.
Modern research has shown that licorice has a significant effect on the nervous system, with potential therapeutic implications for psychiatric conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression. It also appears to be of benefit to the heart, reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. The licorice root may also have some effect on cholesterol levels, although this has not been proven. The licorice root is a staple item in some Chinese and Middle Eastern cuisines, and the combination of licorice and Chinese herbs commonly used in Chinese medicine appears to improve the heart, reduce hypertension, reduce symptoms of diabetes, and enhance the appetite.
Licorice root can be used to treat a number of health problems, although its most common side effect is on the appetite, which reduces the ability to lose weight. It may therefore be useful to those trying to lose weight through diet and exercise. Another way licorice may help with weight loss is by increasing the bodies' metabolism. For many people, the rising cost of fuel makes sense when you consider the high cost of fat each year. Licorice extracts can boost the bodies' metabolism by stimulating the pituitary gland to release greater quantities of adrenaline.
The therapeutic properties of licorice are supported by anecdotal evidence from numerous users over the centuries. Many claim to have experienced improvements to mood, energy, creativity, and general well being while drinking licorice root. Licorice root is now legal in the United States and licorice root tea is gaining popularity in the West. Licorice has become a popular alternative drink to traditional alcoholic beverages because of it relatively inexpensive price tag. Licorice has a long history of use in herbal medicine, but it is unclear if any therapeutic properties are inherent in the licorice root.
www.iSweet.ca is your Candy Store, Candy wholesale and distributor in Toronto offering US CANDY, UK CANDY, Bulk Candy, Chocolate, Gum, Licorice, Mint, Novelty Candy, Pastry, Peg Bags, Soda Flavour Candy, Sugar Free Candy, Theater Box candy, LICENSED CANDY, OLD TIME CANDY AND HARD TO FIND CANDY AT 100% WHOLESALE PRICE.
iSweet.ca is your Online Candy Store in Toronto in Canada sells the following popular brands: Boston America, Crazy Cures, Ferrara Pan, Fini, Haribo, Hi-Chew, Hotlix, Huer, Jelly Belly, Jolly Rancher, Keebler, Kidsmania, Kool-Aid, Lifesavers, Milka, Mrs Freshley, Nintendo, PEZ, Picky, Star Wars, Taste of Nature, Tic Tac, Trolli, Vidal, Warheads Wonka and much more.
iSweet.ca is Your Candy Store and Candy Wholesale in Canada - 100% Wholesale Price - No Minimum Order Quantity - FREE SHIPPING on orders over CAD$350 & Warehouse Pickup Available in Scarborough, ONwww.iSweet.ca
Email : [email protected]
Tel : (416) 823-4030
Address
Unit 106 - 3751 Victoria Park Ave, Scarborough, ON M1W 3Z4
