Licorice is one of the most widely used herbs in the world, and likely
the most commonly used herb in Chinese medicine today. Why is this? Well, simply put, it’s a very likable herb. Licorice is like the person you meet for the first time and immediately feel you’re best friends. It’s the herb in the room that makes everyone a little nicer, a little more harmonious. It does this because it is very mild and sweet, and yet so wise and effective. We now carry licorice sticks at CAC – a traditional remedy of chewing on the root until all that is left is the fibrous remains. So, why would you want to chew on licorice?
- Digestion – Licorice is great for soothing upset stomachs, boosting digestive power, and even relieving toxicity from food poisoning. Also, it’s mildly sweet flavor will have your taste buds buzzing with delight. You can chew on licorice in the midst of an upset stomach or as a way to enhance you digestion in general.
- Sore throat – Licorice has a way of gently moistening the throat and lungs to relieve sore and itchy throats as well as coughing. Chewing on licorice can be a great go-to remedy while your healing from a cold or trying to stave off any seasonal bugs that may want to find residence in your throat.
- Food and smoking cravings – Licorice is actually used as a flavoring in cigarettes. So for those weening off of smoking, chewing on licorice can fulfill a two-fold function of satisfying both the urge to have something in the mouth and the flavor of the cigarettes. Licorice sticks are also a great for those working with curbing sugar cravings, as the root has some natural sweetness, but the act of chewing into the root limits how much you can actually extract.
- Anxiety – Licorice, being the amiable and wise sage that it is, will soothe feelings of anxiety as well. It has a placating and comforting effect on the spirit. It’s a great plant to go to if you find yourself feeling anxious, irritable, or scared.
It would take a long time to list all of the healing properties of licorice. Part of the beauty of this plant and why it is so effective is that it makes everything around it work better. It brings out the best in our digestive system, our detoxification system, our adrenal system. It’s that little dose of medicine when you need things to move a little smoother in your life.
Come in and ask us about our licorice sticks and see if you can benefit from this plant. Licorice should be avoided if you’re pregnant, have hypertension, liver disorder, edema, low blood potassium, or heart disease.