Absolutely Delicious Licorice!

OUT OF PRINT

A complete guide to growing and using Licorice by Isabell Shipard

(25 page booklet)

The booklet gives the history and the many health benefits of the plant and how to grow. For hundreds of years licorice has been one of the most used Chinese herbs

Licorice is a very special plant, the nutritive and rejuvenating properties have made it one of the most universally consumed herbs.

Since earliest recorded history, it has been valued as a beautifying agent, aphrodisiac, used for vitality and longevity, and often called an elixir of life. It is one of the oldest and best-known remedies for coughs and respiratory conditions.

Glycyrrhzin in the licorice root is a natural sweetener, and although 50 times sweeter than sugar cane, can be utilized by diabetics.

In Egypt, licorice water was a popular sweet drink in the time of the pharaohs. Roman legions considered licorice indispensable ration for their long gruelling campaigns; and it was said soldiers could go up to 10 days without eating or drinking as the licorice properties helped to build stamina and energy, which allayed both hunger and thirst.

It is a time-honoured herb in Chinese medicine, dating back thousands of years. Chinese herbalism applied the principle of prevention, by emphasising the use of tonics and adaptogens, using plants, like licorice, that can regulate, strengthen and invigorate the whole body.

Ten different bio-flavanoids have been found in licorice which are known to have an effect of strengthening the glands, hormone function and immune system, fight cancer cells and protect from cancer and cancer, to name a few. Numerous studies have been carried out on its therapeutic benefits particularly for duodenal and peptic ulcers, hormonal imbalances, respiratory and liver diseases. Studies show that it assists the liver to neutralise toxins.

Aleisha Stewart, Isabell’s granddaughter Giving her full approval to licorice lollies
Also, mentioned is the potential of licorice as a commercial crop. Most Australians have never tasted licorice root in its natural form. Only a small amount is grown in Australia, with most being exported to Japan for sweetening foods. There is an opportunity for growers to supply processors, city markets, health food shops, tourist attractions, food expos, country markets, and school tuckshops.

Licorice is one of nature’s many-facet natural remedies and sweet flavourings.

How can I use HERBS in my daily life? by Isabell Shipard has a large chapter on Licorice, which is very informative.