Lakrica

Licorice (licorice) is a perennial herb in the legume family. It is used in the medical and food industries as a foaming agent. It grows wild in North Africa, France, Italy, Western and Central Asia, South-Eastern Europe. Cultivated in temperate regions. Licorice prefers brackish, sandy soil, takes root on chernozem clay soils. Licorice grows in the steppes, semi-deserts, along irrigation canals, roads, on sandy-shell banks, in the valleys of steppe rivers, forming dense thickets.

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

In Tibet, liquorice root is said to “improve the use of the six senses and promote longevity.”

In addition to medical use, 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, the tobacco industry in order to flavor and improve the taste of snuff, smoking, chewing tobacco.

Botanical description

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

The leaves consist of 3-10 pairs of entire, oblong-ovate, oval leaflets, 5-20 centimeters long, with a point at the top. Next unpaired. Their surface is covered with sticky dotted glands. In the lower part of the leaf there are small, subulate paired appendages that fall off by the time of flowering.

Licorice stems are erect, short-fluffy, simple or slightly branched, from 0,5 to 2 meters high.

The flowers are located in loose 5-8-axillary racemes, reach 8-12 millimeters in diameter. The length of the peduncle is 3-5 centimeters. On the surface of the cup are narrow-lanceolate teeth, equal in size to the tube. Corolla 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 naked). Seeds are greenish-gray, reniform, shiny.

Flowering period – June-August, harvesting – August-September.

Licorice is bred vegetatively or by seeds.

Chemical composition

The energy ratio of licorice B:G:U is 0%:0%:100%. There are 100 calories in 375 grams of the plant.

Licorice roots contain:

• polysaccharides, fatty acids (3-4%);
• mono- and disaccharides (up to 20%);
• proteins, tannins (8,3-14,2%);
• pectins (4-6%);
• resinous and bitter agents (2-4% each);
• flavonoids (3-4%);
• essential oils (alcohols and their derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, terpenoids, aromatic compounds);
• organic acids (fumaric, tartaric, succinic, citric, malic);
• phenolcarboxylic acids (salicylic, synomic, ferulic);
• triterpene saponins;
• coumarins;
• alkaloids;
• steroids
• vitamins A, B, E, K, PP, C, D;
• minerals (zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, sodium).

In the ground part of licorice are concentrated:

• tannin compounds (5,5%);
• carbohydrates (2%);
• fatty acids (6%);
• coumarin (1,9-2,4%);
• essential oils (0,02%);
• organic acids (up to 2,5%);
• flavonoids (kaempferol, isoquercitrin, quercetin);
• betaine;
• saponins;
• triterpenoid;
• vitamins A, C, E;
• minerals (selenium, copper, phosphorus).

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. On the basis of 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 – a means of combating nicotine addiction, has secretolytic, diuretic, antibacterial effects. Fights chronic colic.

Healing properties:

1. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. Helps with fever, enhances the therapeutic effect of drugs. Eliminates inflammatory reactions in the bladder, kidneys.
2. Favorably affects the respiratory system. Stimulates the secretion of mucus, promotes the removal of sputum and microbes from the bronchi. Licorice is used for laryngitis to restore the voice and prolonged prolonged cough that has developed against the background of tuberculosis, tonsillitis, pneumonia.
3. Has an antispasmodic effect. It supports the work of the heart, eliminates spasms of smooth muscles, helps with thyroid diseases and low blood pressure.
4. It normalizes water-salt metabolism, increases the body’s resistance to oxygen deficiency, 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 action of toxins.
6. Restores the work of the pancreas, increases the production of the body’s own insulin. Glycyrrhizic acid is obtained from licorice, which is used as a natural sweetener in diabetes. In addition, licorice prevents atherosclerosis, normalizes sugar levels, the work of the adrenal glands.
7. Suppresses the growth of malignant cells. It is used in the treatment of prostate adenoma and oncological diseases.
8. Possesses wound healing, enveloping actions. It is used as a mild laxative, a remedy for the treatment of stomach ulcers and gastritis.
9. Improves the condition of the skin. It is used to treat allergies accompanied by peeling of the dermis: bronchial asthma, urticaria, dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus.
10. Shows the properties of an antidepressant, reduces fatigue, increases the tone of the central nervous system.
11. It is used to restore joint mobility in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism.
12. Improves the state of the body after radiation damage.
13. Prevents heartburn, improves digestion, regulates the secretion of gastric juice.
14. Prevents cirrhosis of the liver.
15. Strengthens immunity.

To avoid caries and inflammation in the oral cavity, it is recommended to chew a piece of licorice root after each meal. In Japan and the United States, 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, joints.
3. Wounds after injuries, sores, inflammation in the oral cavity.
4. Caries.
5. Violation of water-salt metabolism.
6. Weak immunity, prone to frequent viral and colds.
7. Menstrual problems.
8. Irregular stool.
9. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract, thyroid gland, heart, liver, bladder, kidneys.
10. Neuralgia.

Противопоказания

1. Hypertension.
2. Individual intolerance, tendency to allergies.
3. Pregnancy and lactation.
4. When taken concomitantly with diuretics. Otherwise, licorice can cause myopathy, hypokalemia, muscle atrophy.
5. With the use of drugs against heart failure. Simultaneous intake of these drugs and licorice contributes to the development of arrhythmia, in severe conditions it is fatal.
6. Children under 3 years old.
7. Impaired renal function.
8. Overweight, obesity.

Licorice is taken only as prescribed by a doctor in a strictly prescribed amount. 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.

Other properties of licorice root

1. This is a natural foaming agent used in baking bakery products, making kvass, beer (soft drinks). Licorice is used to treat meat and fish from spoilage. It is a natural sweetener in confectionery. In addition, licorice leaves can be brewed as a tea substitute or added to coffee to improve 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 mixtures for fire extinguishers, in oil and gas production using drilling technology.
3. To improve the taste of tobacco products, the production of chewing gums 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 the fibers of the plant stems).
6. For feeding bees, as a biologically active additive in livestock feed (from the green part of licorice).

Licorice sweets – good or bad?

These are confectionery products with a specific memorable taste, which gives the licorice root. Properly prepared licorice sweets are a delicacy and medicine for the human body. As a rule, they are viscous, visually reminiscent of chewing marmalade. Production technology: the roots of the plant are soaked, cleaned from the outer shell, boiled. The resulting useful extract is poured into molds for solidification. It contains a sweet component (glycerrosin). Further, the extract is processed, “at the exit” licorice caramel is formed, which can be sweet or salty, hard or viscous like chewing gum.

Interestingly, the use 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), exhibit diuretic and laxative effects, supply the body with pectin and ascorbic acid.

According to the traditional recipe, the composition of licorice sweets includes:

• liquorice root;
• salt;
• starch;
• sugar;
• syrup;
• gloss mixture (anise oil or beeswax);
• gelatin or agar-agar, gum arabic.

There are 100 calories in 385 grams of liquorice sweets, the B:F:U ratio is 4%:23%:72%. Overweight people should stop eating high-calorie sweets.

Rules of procurement

The roots of the plant are harvested in the fall, when the green part of the licorice has begun to die off, or in early spring, while it is dormant. Raw materials are chosen with a length of at least 25 centimeters and a thickness of at least 1 centimeter. Only such plant roots have powerful healing properties. The raw material is washed under water, cut and smoothed out to dry.

In no case should the roots be subjected to heat treatment in the oven, since high temperature destroys useful substances. The dried raw materials are put in a linen bag or glass container, tightly closed with a lid.

Shelf life – up to 5 years.

Traditional recipes

1. from prostate adenoma. How to prepare a decoction: chop dried licorice root (15 grams), pour water (400 milliliters), cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Cool the resulting drug, 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. From 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. From cough. Licorice has a softening effect on the respiratory tract, accelerates the excretion of sputum. 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, closed 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 first.

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

4. For weight loss. Licorice accelerates metabolic processes, helps to eliminate toxins and cleanse the body, reduces the production of gastric juice, and suppresses appetite. Thus, licorice reduces cravings for sugary, fatty foods. To prepare a means for weight loss, 5 grams of dry licorice roots are poured with 200 milliliters of water, insisted for 1 hour, filtered. Take 15 milliliters before meals.
5. With ulcers, gastritis. Has anti-inflammatory properties. The principle of preparation of 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, the drink is filtered, take 35 drops XNUMX times a day.

If after the use of preparations containing licorice root, itching, diarrhea, skin rashes, swelling, nausea or vomiting appear, they should be stopped immediately. Children are not recommended to take licorice for more 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, heart. The composition of licorice includes substances that are similar in effect to steroid hormones that have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They prevent the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body.

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

To preserve useful properties, licorice roots are dug up in late autumn, cleaned from the ground, dried in the sun. Store in a dark, dry, cool place. The product is contraindicated in people with an increased degree of allergenicity and during pregnancy and lactation.