Licorice or liquorice originates from the Glycyrrhiza plant species and is also valued for its rich taste. It gets its name from the Greek, glukurrhiza which implies ‘sweet root’. This herb is indigenous to Southern Europe and Asia and is also known as ‘sweet root’, attributing to the component known as glycyrrhizin contained in its root that is much sweeter compared to sugar. Licorice have been valued within the traditional Chinese system of medication for hundreds of years and is also known as “the peacemaker” herb. It really is probably the most broadly consumed herbs around the globe and is also presently grown in Russia, Spain, France, England, Germany, the Middle East and Asia.
Licorice is really a woody-stemmed perennial herb which grows to about 1-2 meters. The long as well as wrinkled roots of licorice branch horizontally and spread out underneath the ground. With its use within food, licorice is also worth its diverse therapeutic benefits in Eastern and Western system of medicine for offering durability and vitality for thousands of years.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been utilized in food and also as medication for hundreds of years. Also referred to as “sweet root,” licorice root includes a compound which is about 50 times more gratifying than sugar. Licorice root has been utilized both in Eastern and Western medication to deal with a number of illnesses, which range from the common cold to liver disease. It behaves as a demulcent, a calming, coating agent, and also as an expectorant, meaning it will help eliminate phlegm. It’s still used today for many problems, while not all of its uses are sustained by scientific proof.
Licorice which has the active component of glycyrrhiza might have severe negative effects. Another kind of licorice, known as DGL or deglycyrrhizinated licorice, doesn’t appear to have the same negative effects and is also occasionally utilized to deal with peptic ulcers, canker sores, and reflux (GERD). Whole licorice is still occasionally recommended for cough, asthma, along with other difficulty in breathing. Topical preparations can be used for eczema along with other skin troubles.
Health Benefits of Licorice Root
Licorice root consists of numerous anti-depressant substances and is also a great option to St. John’s Wort. As a herbal medicine it has an amazing listing of extensively recorded uses and is also possibly the most over-looked of all herbal wonders. Licorice is wonderful for numerous health conditions which includes asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, gingivitis as well as tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendinitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, yeast infections, prostate enlargement and also arthritis.Listed here are a few health advantages of Licorice Root
1. Soothes Your Stomach
Licorice root has been utilized to soothe gastrointestinal difficulties. In cases of food poisoning, stomach ulcers, as well as heartburn, licorice root extract can easily speed repair of the stomach’s lining as well as restore balance. It’s because the anti-inflammatory as well as immune-boosting qualities of glycyrrhizic acid. Studies declare that glycyrrhic acid can control the toxic bacteria H. pylori, and may even avoid it from growing within the gut. However, research also implies that patients struggling with peptic ulcer disease, heartburn, as well as gastritis have enhanced symptoms when taking DGL. DGL is the safer form of licorice and is also capable of being taken over the long term if required.
2. Cleanses Your Respiratory System
Licorice is additionally suggested to deal with respiratory difficulties. Taking licorice just as one oral supplement might help the creation of healthy mucus. Even though increasing phlegm production would seem counterintuitive to a healthy bronchial system, the opposite is in fact true. The creation of clean, healthy phlegm keeps the respiratory system functioning without old, sticky mucus clogging it up.
3. Reduces Stress
Over time, stress can easily leave the adrenal gland exhausted by the constant work of producing adrenaline as well as cortisol. The adrenal gland could get relief together with the support of licorice supplements. The adrenal gland could be activated and well balanced by licorice root extract, which encourages a healthy level of cortisol in the body.
4. Sore Throat And Cough
Researches claim that saponin glycosides in Licorice Root come with an expectorant activity which might assist with dry cough, bronchitis, and asthma. An expectorant encourages the bronchial secretions and break down the thick phlegm which makes it simple to cough it out. The antiviral, anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties of Licorice Root may also be helpful lubricate the irritated as well as inflamed respiratory system as well as sore throat, relax bronchial spasms, as well as fight viral flu, cold along with other respiratory system infections which includes asthma. Simple remedy is always to consume Licorice Root tea 2 to 3 times a day. To make the tea, shred 2 inches of Licorice Root in a boiling cup of water. allow it to simmer for around Ten minutes. Then strain out the shredded root and drink it warm. To manage the quantity, Licorice Root tea bags may be used to make the tea.
5. Cancer
Licorice possesses chemopreventive effects and is also valuable in the management of different types of cancer. Research has shown the anti-proliferative effects of licorice roots in restricting the development of human breast cancer cells. Licorice consists of flavonoids like isoliquiritigenin, which will help in controlling colon carcinogenesis and also causes apoptosis, also referred to as programmed cell death. Studies have offered supporting evidence with regards to the anti-tumor activity of licorice extracts, that are great at lowering the toxicity induced by chemotherapy drugs as well as prevents the creation of tumor cells. However, cancer patients going through cisplatin therapy ought to avoid licorice extract. Licorice extracts may also be useful in dealing with long-term prostatitis and prostate cancer.
6. Skin Care
Licorice is a wonderful skin healer and is also valuable in the treatment of skin ailments like eczema, athlete’s foot and psoriasis. Research indicates that external use of licorice extracts assist in reducing the swelling and itching in such conditions too. Licorice extracts have skin-lightening effects and in addition help in supplying protection towards ultra-violet radiation-induced erythema, reducing inflammation and assisting to improve prolonged facial redness.
7. Depression
There is study which demonstrates the Glycyrrhizic acid which is in licorice root can deal with nervousness as well as depression by encouraging the function of the adrenal glands. Our adrenal glands manage stress hormones which includes cortisol. Whenever one’s stress hormone levels are low it may regularly be the reason for continual fatigue, melancholy, anxiety, and having less resistance to infections and allergens. Licorice root also happens to also provide the Asparagine amino acid that is required to protect equilibrium within the body’s central nervous system.
8. Cardiovascular Health
The anti-oxidant qualities of licorice extracts are impressive within the protection against cardio stress in diabetic people. The flavonoid glabridin, that is contained in licorice roots, works well for offering vascular protection under higher glucose conditions, helps prevent the development of plaques within the arteries, and energizes the unobstructed flow of blood in diabetic patients.
9. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Licorice is advantageous in avoiding the malfunction of the adrenal glands, that are liable for the creation of hormones like cortisol to handle stress within the body which help in improving its overall function. Excessive usage of licorice ought to be prevented. Licorice is recognized as great at those who have been recommended steroids for a long period to counter the suppressive action of steroids on the adrenal glands. And also this helps with stimulating the body’s resistance to stress, especially throughout the recovery phase right after surgeries. Glycyrrhizinic acid contained in licorice works well for feeling more lively and decreases the the signs of long-term fatigue syndrome as well as fibromyalgia.
10. Treats Eczema
Inflammatory skin disorders like eczema have already been cured with licorice root. Taking internally, licorice can function systemically to reduce inflammation within the liver and kidneys, that will have its effects holistically on the skin. Applied externally, a gel or lotion with licorice root extract is shown to reduce itching, swelling and redness brought on by eczema.
11. Menopause
The phytoestrogenic as well as anti-oxidant action of licorice root is believed to be helpful for hormonal problems which includes exhaustion, mood swings, and hot flashes in females who’re going through menopause. As a result, ingesting just one single capsule of licorice root daily might help balance as well as manage a woman’s hormone production if she happens to be dealing with menopause.
12.Prevents Hair Loss
Licorice root is really a phytoestrogen which functions like a natural reducer of testosterone along with a blocker of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androgen, which could otherwise get connected to the hair follicle resulting in shrinking of hair follicle, reducing blood and nutrient supply of hair and therefore in turn, resulting in hair loss as well as pattern baldness.
13. Cognitive Function
Research has offered supporting proof which shows the neuroprotective effect of glabridin in cases of diabetes. It will help in the protection against cognitive impairment as well as assists with enhancing the learning and memory functions in diabetics. The component amorfrutins which are contained in licorice have got anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects which help to scale back the blood sugar, inhibit the introduction of insulin resistance, and stop Type-2 diabetes.
14. Menstrual and PMS Cramps
This particular herb has got anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, along with a reasonable estrogenic action that might help with PMS symptoms which includes breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, nausea and bloating, not to mention mood swings. Consuming licorice root like a tea every day starting about three days just before one’s anticipated time of the month can help to reduce PMS symptoms.
15. Herpes and Shingles
Licorice root extract was used for treating herpes simplex, sores, and shingles. Numerous research has shown that the antiviral action of the herb may possibly control the return and advancement of cold sores because of the herpes virus. Easy cure for shingles and herpes could be to ingest a capsule of the root extract Twice per day, and also to utilize a salve made of the same extract on the affected region in between 4 and 5 times each day.
16. Dental Health
Licorice extracts have already been great at the avoidance as well as management of dental caries and gingivitis. The anti-microbial quality of deglycyrrhizinated licorice is helpful towards Streptococcus mutans and inhibits the development of biofilms and dental plaques. Because of such protecting anti-bacterial effects, licorice root extracts have been traditionally used within the manufacturing of oral hygiene products like toothpastes and mouthwashes.
17. Neurological Disorders
Licorice is beneficial within the management of neurological disorders like Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease. It will help within the protection against the involuntary flow of tears and also the growth and development of other neurological symptoms including paralysis in those patients struggling with Bell’s palsy.
18. Combat hepatitis
Licorice both safeguards the liver as well as encourages healing within this vital organ. The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties assist relaxed hepatitis-associated liver inflammation. Licorice also combats the virus generally liable for hepatitis as well as provides valuable antioxidant compounds which help maintain the all around health of the liver.
19. Weight Reduction
Research shows that individuals had a considerable decrease in body fat mass after you have three grams of licorice root extract every single day for 2 months. Nevertheless, the consuming of licorice root isn’t something that anyone must do for long periods of time. As a result, although most studies have shown routine usage of licorice root for just two month periods of time, it really is preferred to quit the usage of the herb for 1 week after every two weeks through the entire two month interval. To lose weight, having a well-balanced diet together with physical exercise could trigger a considerable loss of body fat.
20. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Licorice extracts have got anti-inflammatory qualities and also have been shown to be effective within the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have established that licorice may be beneficial in lessening the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as for offering rest from pain and swelling.
21. Tuberculosis
Research indicates that licorice is beneficial within the management of pulmonary tuberculosis as well as works well for lowering the length of the recovery process. Antimycobacterial as well as anti-microbial action of the constituents contained in licorice work nicely in the management of lung infections and causes it to be a highly effective antitubercular agent.
22. Infections
Licorice consists of glycyrrihizic acid, that is great at dealing with numerous viral, fungal and microbe infections. Scientific studies have disclosed the antiviral effect of licorice and its components in curbing the development of herpes virus as well as avoiding any further growth and development of cancer. The infection fighting property of licorice has been discovered valuable in the management of shingles, that is brought on by varicella-zoaster virus, exactly the same virus that creates chicken pox.
23. Atherosclerosis
Licorice roots have got anti-oxidant ability and therefore are efficient at maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol. The flavonoid glabridin, together with other advantageous components contained in licorice, exert an excellent effect in avoiding the buildup of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol helping in reducing the chance of illnesses just like atherosclerosis.
24. HIV
Licorice is beneficial for treating HIV-related ailments. Research has shown that the glycyrrhizin contained in licorice roots works well for suppressing the proliferation of the infecting virus simply by encouraging the creation of beta-chemokines. It may also help in avoiding the damage of white blood cells by the HIV virus and strengthens the immune mechanism of the body
25. Detoxification
Licorice offers laxative qualities and encourages the detoxification of both colon and also the blood supply. Scientific studies have demostrated that the element dehydroglyasperin contained in licorice extracts have been verified valuable in the induction of phase-2 detoxification as well as anti-oxidant enzymes, that really help the entire body in getting rid of harmful as well as poisonous toxic wastes.
26. Acts as Internal Sunblock
Numerous studies have discovered that an energetic anti-oxidant, Licochalcone A, which happens to be the key component in Licorice root, can safeguard the skin from subsequent UV irradiation damage from within. It does so simply by conditioning the skin’s immunity. In this way, licorice root offers defense against sun exposure while supporting the health advantages of the sun. Best of all, you don’t have to buy and use possibly questionable sun block lotions.
27. Can help in healing wounds faster
Liquorice root is extremely useful in healing wounds faster. Research indicates that by making use of liquorice root extract on wounds, they will healed considerably faster in comparison with wounds which were untreated.
28. Can help in reducing fevers and acts as pain killer
The extracts from liquorice root also demonstrated it can work as a fever lowering agent and may also decrease pain. Once the extract was applied to the skin, it penetrated perfectly and acted on the pain.
29. Has ulcer healing properties
Liquorice root also has demonstrated gastric ulcer healing. It’s been mentioned that gastric ulcers were decreased considerably, that too, only couple of hours after giving liquorice root extracts.
30. Constipation
The problem of constipation may be treatable through the use of licorice root. The herb has got laxative qualities. It heals the intestine as well as softens the stools, that really help in effortless bowel motions. It is important for the treatment of constipation in kids.
31. Dark Spots
Referred to as “the king of natural medicines” Licorice Root is additionally renowned for brightening the skin and decreasing facial dark spots. It’s incredible capability to even out skin tone makes this a cherished component in several beauty items.
32. Female Fertility
Licorice tea might help for treating fertility difficulties in ladies brought on because of hormonal irregularities like polycystic ovaries. Licorice helps you to manage the secretion of the estrogen hormone as well as helps with curing any kind of fertility complications in ladies. It is great at normalizing irregular menstruation, works well for the restoration of regular ovulation as well as promotes conception. As supported by numerous studies, licorice will help in lowering the serum testosterone in females, that makes it a highly effective consideration for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome as well as hirsutism.
33. Obesity
Licorice extracts can also be great at avoiding obesity. The anti-obesity action of licorice flavonoid oil suggested a substantial decrease in the existence of abdominal adipose tissues as well as triglycerides levels of the body.
34. Possesses anti-malarial properties
It may seem shocking, yet liquorice root demonstrates anti-malarial activity, as mentioned by WebMD. One research noted that the extracts from liquorice root totally eliminated malaria parasite, with no severe negative effects. This really is indeed a good news both for pharmaceutical companies and also for individual worried about malaria.
35. Diabetic Nephropathy
Research indicates that roasted licorice is beneficial in treating diabetic nephropathy, in which the kidney damage happens as a result of long-standing diabetes. The inhibitory effect of licorice works well for the prevention as well as management of symptoms including glomerulosclerosis which can lead to diabetic nephropathy because of long-term diabetes.
36. Skin Brightening Effect
The usage of licorice helps make the skin look fairer simply by brightening its color. You are able to make a face mask by combining turmeric powder as well as fuller’s earth together with licorice tea. Use the pack on the skin and allow it to dry. Rinse the face pack along with normal water. To help keep the skin moisturized, you can include a few drops of coconut oil, essential olive oil or even almond oil to it.
37. Fades Blemishes
Regular usage of licorice helps you to diminish imperfections as well as dark spots. The constant usage of licorice tea keeps the skin moisturized as well as hydrated from inside. You may also use the cool licorice tea onto the skin. Allow it to sit for some time and then rinse along with normal water to obtain a supple and soft skin.
38. Hair Growth Booster
The usage of this root has been discovered efficient at promoting hair growth. Products along with licorice like a base are utilized to deal with a dry scalp. It will help the hair to grow stronger as well as thicker. It really is highly considered that licorice works well for decreasing hair loss both through external as well as oral use. It paves way for the growth of hair follicles by trapping the fundamental moisture in the scalp.
39. Helps With Low Blood Pressure
Hypotension or even low blood pressure is really a challenging condition to be healed. But, it may be handled safely with the aid of licorice tea. Regular usage of this tea will help you eliminate stress-related components, like fatigue, nausea and dizziness. Licorice tea likewise helps to pump up the blood pressure level on the needed level.
History of Licorice Root
Licorice isn’t a new discovery. The ancient Egyptians tried it as a pharmaceutical drug, as well as massive supplies were found in King Tut’s tomb. Egyptian hieroglyphics record the usage of licorice like a well-known beverage among the men of the time.
Manuscripts from 360 A.D. talk of licorice helping eye problems, skin diseases, coughs, as well as hair loss. Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar are on record as endorsing the advantages of consuming licorice. Since the 14th century, it’s been utilized to calm coughs, colds, and bronchitis.
Napoleon Bonaparte found licorice soothing during battle; he allegedly ate so much of it that his teeth turned black. (Don’t worry. The quantity of licorice present in most of today’s licorice candy won’t discolor the teeth.)
Modern licorice candy dates from 17th century Holland. At that time, Holland was among the world’s most effective countries. Her intrepid sailors spread this excellent delicacy to other European nations. Today, licorice candy is produced all through Europe, America, and Australia.
Different uses of Licorice Root
1. Tobacco
Most liquorice is utilized as a flavoring agent for tobacco. As an example, M&F Worldwide reported in 2011 that about 63% of the liquorice product sales are to the worldwide tobacco industry for use as tobacco flavour improving as well as moistening agents within the manufacturing of American blend cigarettes, moist snuff, chewing tobacco, and pipe tobacco. American mix cigarettes made up a larger part of worldwide tobacco consumption in earlier years, and also the portion of liquorice products utilized by the tobacco industry was higher in past times. M&F Worldwide sold roughly 73% of its liquorice products to the tobacco industry in 2005. A consultant to M&F Worldwide’s predecessor company stated in 1975 that it was thought that well over 90% of the total manufacture of liquorice extract and its particular derivatives found its way into tobacco products.
Liquorice provides tobacco products with a natural sweetness as well as a unique flavour which combines readily together with the natural as well as imitation flavouring components employed in the tobacco industry. It represses harshness and isn’t detectable as liquorice by the consumer. Tobacco flavourings like liquorice also help you to breathe in the smoke by creating bronchodilators, which open the lungs. Chewing tobacco demands substantially higher amounts of liquorice extract as focus on the sweet flavour seems extremely appealing.
2. Food and candy
Liquorice flavour can be found in a multitude of candies or even sweets. In many of these candies, the taste is reinforced by aniseed oil therefore the actual content of liquorice is extremely low. Liquorice confections usually are mainly bought by consumers in the European Union.
In the Netherlands, where liquorice candy (drop) is among the most widely used types of sweets, just a few of the many forms which are sold consist of aniseed, although mixing it with mint, menthol, or with laurel is very popular. Combining it along with ammonium chloride (salmiak) is additionally well-known. Typically the most popular liquorice, known within the Netherlands as zoute drop (salty liquorice), in fact contains hardly any salt, i.e., sodium chloride.The salty taste is most likely because of ammonium chloride and also the blood pressure-raising effect is because of glycyrrhizin. Powerful, salty sweets are well-known in Nordic nations.
Pontefract in Yorkshire was the first place exactly where liquorice combined with sugar began to be utilized as a sweet in the same way it really is in the modern day. Pontefract cakes were initially made there. In County Durham, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, it really is colloquially referred to as ‘Spanish’, supposedly simply because Spanish monks grew liquorice root at Rievaulx Abbey near Thirsk.
In Italy (especially in the south), Spain, and France, liquorice is popular in the natural form. The root of the plant is just dug up, washed, dried, and chewed as a mouth freshener. Throughout Italy, unsweetened liquorice is consumed in the form of small black pieces made only from 100% pure liquorice extract; the taste is bitter and intense. In Calabria a well known liqueur is made of pure liquorice extract.
Liquorice can also be extremely popular in Syria and Egypt, where it really is sold like a drink, in shops in addition to street vendors. It is utilized for its expectorant qualities in folk medicine in Egypt.
Dried liquorice root could be chewed like a sweet. Black liquorice consists of about 100 calories[dubious – discuss] per ounce (15 kJ/g).
Liquorice is utilized by brewers to flavour as well as colour porter classes of beers, and also the enzymes within the root also stabilize the foam heads made by beers brewed with it.
3. Medicine
Glycyrrhizin has additionally shown antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, as well as blood pressure-increasing effects in vitro and in vivo, as is supported by the finding that intravenous glycyrrhizin (as if it really is given orally hardly any of the original drug causes it to be into circulation) slows the progression of viral and autoimmune hepatitis.In one medical trial liquorice shown promising activity, whenever utilized topically, against atopic dermatitis. Additionally, liquorice may be effective in treating hyperlipidaemia (a high amount of fats in the blood). Liquorice has also demonstrated efficacy in treating inflammation-induced skin hyperpigmentation. Liquorice can also be beneficial in stopping neurodegenerative problems as well as dental caries.
The antiulcer, laxative, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumour as well as expectorant properties of liquorice have been investigated.
The compound glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid), present in liquorice, have been proposed as being helpful for liver protection in tuberculosis therapy, yet evidence doesn’t support this particular use, which might in reality be damaging.
4. Folk medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, liquorice is considered to “harmonize” the components in the formula and also to carry the formula to the 12 “regular meridians”. Liquorice has been traditionally known and utilized as medicine in Ayurveda for rejuvenation.
Dosage and Forms
Liquid Extract
Licorice extract is easily the most frequently discovered form of licorice. Utilized as an industrial sweetener in candies and beverages, licorice extract consumption by a person shouldn’t exceed 30 mg/ml glycyrrhizic acid. Ingesting more could produce negative effects, as warned by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Powder
Licorice powder can be bought by the ounce at health food stores and online specialized retailers. It may be coupled with a gel base to create a topical ointment which clears the skin. In its powder form, licorice is particularly useful in the management of eczema and acne. The powder may also be poured into vegetable capsules as well as ingested orally. Remember that the suggested dosage of licorice root is lower than 75 milligrams each day, in accordance with the WHO guidelines.
Tea
Licorice plant leaves, dried as well as crushed in a tea leaf form, have become a well known herbal tea. These types of teas can be bought at supermarkets as well as health food stores. They are utilised to enhance digestive, respiratory, as well as adrenal gland health. If you see herbal teas which are cited as aids for “bronchial wellness” and “cleanse and detox,” they often consist of forms of licorice. The most popular throat remedy referred to as “Throat Coat” tea is a mix of marshmallow root, licorice root, and elm bark. It’s not suggested that people ingest more than 8 ounces of licorice tea daily.
DGL
DGL is licorice together with the glycyrrhizin removed, that decreases your chance of consuming licorice. DGL should consist of no more than 2 percent glycyrrhizin and is also suitable for gastrointestinal symptoms, as long-term intake may be required. DGL can be purchased in chewable tablets, capsules, tea, and powder. Consume a maximum of 5 grams of DGL daily.
Healthy recipe using Licorice Root
1. Healing (and yummy) Licorice Root Tea
Ingredients
1 cup chopped dry licorice root
1/2 cup cinnamon chips
1/2 cup dried orange peel
2 tablespoons whole cloves
1/2 cup chamomile flowers
Directions
Mix everything well in the bowl and then store in the glass jar, faraway from light and heat.
To prepare tea: Combine 3 heaping tablespoons of tea mix and 2.5 cups of cold water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour in a big teacup by using a strainer and pass it on to the invalid with the empathy-filled smile. Then drink some yourself because it’s delicious (and so he can keep this sick bug to himself this time).
2. Original Licorice Candy
Ingredients
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon powdered licorice root (or to taste)
1 teaspoon dried anise, root (POWDERED ( or to taste)
1 cup flour (enough to make a workable dough)
icing sugar
Directions
Warm the molasses as well as add licorice and anise powder.
Mix in enough flour to create a workable dough.
Roll mixture into small tubes, cut into desired lengths.
Roll in icing sugar if desired. The mix will harden when cool.
3. Caramelized Carrot & Licorice Root Soup
Ingredients
1 small CINNAMON STICK
2 teaspoons LICORICE ROOT
1 cup BOILING WATER
2 tablespoons virgin COCONUT OIL
8 medium CARROTS, sliced into 1/4″ rounds
1/2 teaspoon SALT
2 teaspoons GINGER ROOT, very finely minced
2 cups WATER
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh LEMON JUICE
Directions
Add licorice root and cinnamon stick to the one cup of boiling water. Let it steep 15-20 minutes. Strain and reserve liquid.
In a sizable fry pan, saute carrots and salt in oil over low heat. Saute, stirring frequently, for 20-30 minutes or until carrots are tender and also have a hint of golden brown.
Once “caramelized”, allow carrots to cool 5-10 minutes. Transfer into a high-powered blender together with licorice/cinnamon liquid, ginger, two cups water and lemon juice. Blend on medium-high until super smooth. Add water when needed to sit in preferred consistency.
Ladle into bowls and drizzle with Lemon Coconut Cream
4. Steamed liquorice sponges
Ingredients
4 liquorice spirals or Pontefract cakes
100g/3½oz unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
100g/3½oz caster sugar
3 free-range eggs
100g/3½oz self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp liquorice extract
Directions
Butter four dariole moulds or individual pudding basins, about 175ml/6fl oz capacity, and line the base of each using a disc of baking parchment.
Place a liquorice spiral or even Pontefract cake in the base of every prepared mould. Put all the residual ingredients in the large bowl and beat together utilizing an electric whisk. Start off slowly then boost the speed and mix for just two minutes, or even till all of the ingredients are very well combined.
Divide the mixture between the moulds. Tap each mould on the work surface to eliminate any air pockets and level out the mix.
Create a lid for every pudding by putting a small piece of baking parchment over a small piece of foil and making a pleat in the middle, folding both sheets together (to allow for the puddings’ expansion since they cook). Place the lids on top of the puddings, foil side up, and secure with string.
Stand the moulds in the steamer. Alternatively, put them in a sizable saucepan and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the moulds. Place the lid on the pan and bring to a simmer. Either way, steam the puddings for 45 minutes.
Uncover the puddings and run the tip of a small, sharp knife around the edge of each, to help release them. Invert them onto warmed plates and serve straight away, with custard.
5. Blackcurrant and liquorice Swiss roll
Ingredients
For the decorative sponge paste
70g/2½oz unsalted butter, softened
70g/2½oz icing sugar
2 free-range egg whites
80g/3oz plain flour, sifted
1 tsp liquorice essence
½-1 tsp black food colouring paste
For the sponge
3 large free-range eggs, at room temperature
75g/2½oz caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
75g/2½oz self-raising flour
For the filling
75g/2½oz butter, softened
225g/8oz icing sugar
1 tbsp milk
½ tsp liquorice essence
200g/7oz blackcurrant jam
Directions
Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/400F/Gas 6. Grease and line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment.
For the decorative sponge paste, cream the butter and icing sugar together till light and fluffy and then progressively add the egg whites, beating continuously. Fold within the flour then add the liquorice essence and food colouring paste and beat till the mixture is black. Spoon in a piping bag fitted with a plain piping nozzle and pipe six diagonal lines across the tin. Refrigerate the tin when you make the plain cake batter.
For the sponge, place the eggs and caster sugar in a huge bowl and whisk with a hand-held electric mixer till the mixture is light and frothy and leaves a trail when the whisk is taken away. Sift the flour over the mixture and thoroughly fold in using a sizable metal spoon or rubber spatula.
Gently pour the mixture in the tin, giving the tin a little shake so the mixture finds its own level; gently push the mixture into the corners if required. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or till the sponge is golden-brown and starting to shrink away from the sides of the tin.
Lay two sheets of parchment paper (cut just a little larger than the size of the tin) on a work surface and sprinkle one with caster sugar. Once the sponge is cooked, turn it out onto the sheet of sugared paper and carefully peel off the lining paper. Lay the other sheet of paper within the striped top and flip over, so that the black lines are underneath. Set aside for cooling.
For the filling, beat the butter, icing sugar, milk and liquorice essence in the bowl until smooth.
Once cooled, discard the sugared paper, trim the edges of the sponge using a sharp knife and score a line across the sponge 2cm/1in in from one of the short edges. Spread an even layer of the buttercream within the sponge.
Spread an even layer of jam over the buttercream. Roll up the Swiss roll firmly starting in the scored end and ultizing the paper to help you.
6. Salt liquorice caramels
Ingredients
groundnut oil, for greasing
125g/4½oz unsalted butter
225g/8oz granulated sugar
200g/7oz condensed milk
175ml/6fl oz golden syrup
2 large pinches rock salt, or to taste
10g raw liquorice powder
¼ tsp black food colouring paste
Directions
Grease a 20cm/8in square baking tin with groundnut oil, then line with baking paper and grease again.
Place the butter in the deep, heavy-bottomed pan together with the sugar, condensed milk and golden syrup. Heat over the lowest heat, mixing constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar.
Put a sugar thermometer within the pan and increase the heat somewhat to bring the mix into a gentle boil. Cook, stirring constantly till the temperature reaches 118C/245F. (CAUTION: boiling sugar is incredibly hot. Handle cautiously. Make use of a deep pan to avoid bubbling over.)
Take the pan off the heat and make use of a wooden spoon to stir in the large pinch of rock salt, the liquorice powder and black food colouring. Beat the mix well till the black paste colours it entirely.
Pour the caramel into the prepared tin and scatter with rock salt. Leave to cool for one hour, then place in the fridge. Leave overnight before cutting into squares. Wrap each square in a piece of parchment paper.
Enjoy with a coffee or even give to your friends as a gift.
Precautions
The usage of herbs is really a time-honored method of strengthening the body as well as dealing with disease. Herbs, however, consist of components that may trigger negative effects and that can communicate with other herbs, supplements, or medications. Therefore, you ought to take herbs carefully, ideally within the supervision of the health care provider in the field of botanical medicine.
Licorice along with glycyrrhizin could cause serious negative effects. An excessive amount of glycyrrhizin leads to a condition known as pseudoaldosteronism, which could result in a person to become extra sensestive to a hormone within the adrenal cortex. This problem can result in headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure levels, and even heart attacks. This may also cause water retention, which can lead to leg swelling along with other problems.Even though the dangerous effects mostly happen with high dosages of licorice or glycyrrhizin, smaller levels of licorice could cause negative effects. Many people have got muscle pain or numbness within the arms and legs. To be safe, ask your health care provider to monitor your usage of licorice.
People with the following conditions shouldn’t take licorice:
Heart failure
Heart disease
Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer
Fluid retention
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Low potassium (hypokalemia)
Erectile dysfunction
Pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn’t take licorice. A few research claim that taking licorice while pregnant can boost the chance of stillbirth.Avoid using any licorice product for over 4 to 6 weeks.
Drug Interactions
Licorice may interact with diuretics.
Hypokalemia: Licorice may also communicate with medicines which reduce the potassium content within the body, causing it to drop to dangerously lower levels, leading to hypokalemia. Considerably low levels of potassium may cause problems within the functioning of nerves, which canresult inmuscle complications like hypertonia.
Corticosteroids: Licorice can communicate with corticosteroids like prednisone and affect the level of the cortisol hormone, that is liable for handling stress within the body.
Licorice is most effective in helping to combat body odor because of its anti-bacterial qualities, and is particularly utilized as a lubricating agent in enemas. It is great at the decrease in age spots and also the management of allergies, tendonitis, bursitis and toxicity brought on by food or chemicals. Utilized in moderation, licorice works well for promoting the effects of other herbs and helps with the induction of calmness and peace.