Licorice sticks are often mentioned in foreign literature, especially English children's literature. They are offered to children as a treat. And in our large stores you can see chewy candy with licorice. And who would have thought that the basis of sweets - all known licorice, the basis of the famous mixture of coughs !?
What is licorice and how is it useful?
Liquorice is a plant from the family of legumes. For five thousand years, the licorice root (licorice) is used to treat various ailments. In addition to the already mentioned syrup of licorice, so beloved by children with a cold, licorice is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, constipation, hemorrhoids. Strengthen the blood vessels and significantly improve the metabolism, too, is capable of liquorice, the useful properties of which, in fact, are inexhaustible! It contains a lot of B vitamins, which are necessary for good functioning of the nervous system, promotes the production of insulin, in addition, it participates in energy metabolism and metabolic processes.
Licorice (licorice) is widely used in medicine, because it exerts an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect on the body, relieves spasms, has antiulcer action, heals bronchial asthma and rheumatism. Licorice is also used for skin diseases of various origins (dermatitis, psoriasis, neurodermatitis).
The licorice root has other useful properties: it is a natural and safe sweetener, thanks to which it is often added to drinks: carbonated water, jelly, kvass, even beer. Liquorice is also a part of strong alcoholic beverages. And the licorice, thanks to its sweet taste, is added to confectionery products: ice cream , candy, halva. It is widely used in Japan, England and Scandinavia as a spice.