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Liquorice Root Fine Cut Organic |
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Liquorice Root Fine Cut Organic
LIQUORICE ROOT FINE CUT - Organic
Glycyrrhiza glabra
History and Folklore
Who is not familiar with the sticky black confectionary known as liquorice' A popular sweet and flavouring agent, liquorice has been well known and widely used throughout Britain and northern Europe since Medieval times and has been cultivated in England since 1560, though it naturally prefers hotter climes. It originates in southern and south-eastern Europe, but has spread throughout the near and middle East and even as far east as China, where the local variety serves as one of the most popular ingredients of Chinese compound medicines. Liquorice is a medium sized shrub that belongs to the pea family, but it is the rhizomes of 3-4 year old plants that are used for flavouring and medicine. The roots are shredded and boiled until a thick black syrup results, which upon cooling solidifies into the familiar black substance. Natural Liquorice is 50 times sweeter than sugar and as a flavouring agent it is usually mixed with Aniseed. It is popular in certain baked goods, but most importantly, it lends its flavour to mask other, less pleasant medicines, while the powder is used to reduce the stickiness of pills.
Medicinal Uses:
Liquorice has long been valued as a soothing agent for the throat and bronchi and is used by itself or in combination with other herbs, such as Fennel and Aniseed. It is mildly laxative and makes a great additive to bitter laxative teas such as Cascara Sagrada. Recent studies point to a far more powerful and interesting use of Liquorice though. It has been discovered that Licorice is strongly anti-inflammatory and has a marked effect in conditions such as arthritis and gout. It also appears to have a powerful effect on the glandular system and the liver. It gently stimulates and balances the adrenal glands, which may be very useful in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also estrogenic and reduces testosterone. Thus, it may be helpful in regulating certain hormonal imbalances caused by oestrogen deficiency. Liquorice has also shown a protective and healing effect on the stomach and liver. It is indicated for stomach ulcers as well as for cases of chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis) and even cirrhosis. However, due to the possibility of certain adverse drug interaction it is mandatory to consult a qualified practitioner before attempting self-treatment.
CAUTION
Prolonged use of large doses of Liquorice is implicated to raise blood pressure and can cause a loss of potassium, which may be dangerous. Some drug's (e.g. those based on digitalis) effects may be accentuated by interaction with Liquorice. Reducing Liquorice intake usually returns the body to normal function without any long term ill effects.
Magical Uses:
Magical use of Liquorice is not well documented. Culpeper ascribes the herb to Mercury. Its effects can be classified as balancing and thus may help the practitioner to maintain the middle path without being led astray into extreme forms of practice (over indulgence or asceticism and abstinence). In Germany the herb was regarded as life-giving and has been used in fertility rites, especially for women.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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