Liquorice: what is it - sweets or medicine?

For sure, many are familiar with the popular Finnish sweets - licorice sweets. However, not everyone knows that the medicine for cough "licorice root" has a direct connection with this delicacy, because they contain the same component - licorice. What it is? This is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus legumes, which in our country is better known as "licorice." It is actively used in medicine and cosmetology, and is also added to food products, in particular to sweets. Let's learn more about how valuable this plant is.

What is useful for liquorice?

Since ancient times, licorice was used to treat various diseases, especially it was common in Tibetan medicine. All - thanks to the medicinal properties that the liquorice possesses. What are these properties? First of all, it is known as a sedative and anesthetic. It is actively used as a drug for cough, bronchitis and asthma, as well as for the following diseases: pneumonia, liver, kidney and stomach diseases, anemia, paralysis, infections. It is used to neutralize wounds and bites of insects and poisonous animals.

Universality of licorice preparations

In medicine, the root of liquorice, in which the substance glycyrrhizin is present, is of particular interest. It is 150 times sweeter than ordinary sugar, and it is the plant that owes it to such healing properties as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. What effect does this substance have on our body? First, it increases the stability of the immune system. Secondly, it normalizes the acid-base balance. Thirdly, it positively affects the liver and stomach, promotes the secretion of gastric juice. And fourthly, very quickly satisfies hunger.

Doctors claim that the licorice plant is one of the few natural remedies of universal action. It can cure the whole body: lung and gastrointestinal diseases, immune and endocrine systems, help with infections and poisoning, and also help to preserve youth and beauty (when used in cosmetics).

Liquorice candies - a popular Finnish delicacy

Recently, sweets from the licorice plant have become popular. Sweets with this component appeared in the 18th century - in the English county of Yorkshire. Today they are better known as the national Finnish delicacy, which has become a kind of symbol of this country. Usually these are long tubes of shiny black or other color (if dyes and flavors were used). The taste of licorice in sweets is moderately sweet, with a slight sourness. Sometimes with the aroma of berries or fruits. In consistence they are dense, but not rigid, almost do not stretch and slightly stick to the teeth. If you try a natural licorice, it will be a rich (even vigorous) sweetness.

What are good sweets with liquorice?

This particular candy will not please everyone. Some talk about marmalade liquorice, which is like a pastille and even prunes. Others feel only its medicinal aroma and do not tolerate its taste. As they say, to each his own. By the way, it is good to take a bag of these sweets on the road, as they can relieve nausea, heartburn and prevent vomiting. But to overeat licorice sweets it is not necessary. This can lead to side effects in the form of edema and increased blood pressure. So always remember the measure. Given that these sweets are very nourishing, it will not be difficult to stop.