Chinese Licorice Seeds
Chinese Licorice, know as
Gan-Cao or gan zao and "the peacemaker" can be found in almost all Chinese medicines either to improve the flavor or as a medicinal aid.
Chinese Licoriceis native to southern Europe and parts of Asia.
Ancient Chinese divided their drugs into 3 classes, according to their properties.
Licorice was of the first class said to "preserve the life of man, and therefore resemble Heaven. They are not poisonous. No matter how much you take, and how often you use them, they are not harmful. If you wish to make the body supple, improve the breath, become old in years without aging in body, then make use of drugs of this class."
The Chinese are said to have used the herb root for more than 5,000 years. Chinese healers prescribed
licorice for flare-ups of arthritis. Today we know that
licorice contains saponins, anti-inflammatory compounds similar to natural steroid hormones. Licorice stimulates the production of 2 steroids, cortisone and aldosterone- contributing to an explanation of why this herb is so useful in ancient and modern medicine.
Hippocrates mentioned
licorice in 400 BC; Pliny wrote 1900 years ago about the juice of
licorice helping to clear the voice. In fact, it is mentioned in practically all botanical records of mankind.
Although
Licorice has many healing and delicious properties, possible side effects are possible. Please contact a trained professional before using
Licorice medicinally or in concentrated amounts.
Also available:
Dried Licorice Root
Licorice Basil Seeds
Luscious Licorice Tea Blend
