The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
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The Licorice root, also known as ‘Yashtimadhu’ or ‘mulethi’, and
popularly referred to as the ‘sweet root’, has been used since ancient
times in Ayurveda, Indian medicine, folk medicines, and home remedies.
According to Ayurveda the herb ‘yashtimadhu’ is so named as Yashti
implies ‘wood’ and Madhu implies ‘honey’, together making it ‘honey-like
wood’. This is because the herb is 50 times sweeter than sugar.
However, don’t be taken aback by this. Despite being called sweet root,
it is an excellent blood sugar modulator. Licorice root is a commonly
used ayurvedic herb, and in ancient days, it was commonly found in every
Indian household. The herb was used as a home remedy for various
ailments, one such case being when someone in the family had a sore
throat.
Licorice root can help in treating various ailments a few of which
include Hyperacidity, gastritis, ulcers, liver disease, bronchitis, Asthma,
high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, malaria, tuberculosis, sore throat,
fever, high potassium levels, eczema, hairfall, premature greying of
hair, blemishes and dark spots, muscle cramps, Osteoarthritis, fatigue
syndrome, menopause issues and abdominal fat. It is also an excellent
anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, an aphrodisiac and an antacid. It
also improves strength and immunity, and excellent for skin, hair and
eyesight.
Out of the long list of health benefits offered by this wonder herb, let us take a closer look at few of these amazing benefits.
1. Hyperacidity, Gastritis
The licorice root is an excellent antacid, as it has the ability to
reduce the overall HCL levels within the stomach. Therefore, if you are
suffering from acid reflux, licorice root can come in handy. This is
because it improves mucus production, thereby protecting the stomach
lining from excessive acid formation. It can also treat heartburn, which
is often associated with hyperacidity. It is effective in treating
acute and chronic gastritis too.
2.Treats ulcers – stomach ulcer, peptic ulcer and mouth ulcer
Given, the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of the herb,
it is effective in reducing the inflammation of stomach linings. Various
studies in the past have proven its protective effects against stomach
ulcer, while it also reduces instances of gastric ulceration caused by
certain medications. In duodenal ulcer too, licorice root has ulcer
healing properties, as it reduces ulcerations and improves gastric
mucosa. Moreover, the herb has certain flavonoids that have inhibitory
effect against the H.pylori bacteria, and hence, can be used against
H.pylori infection and peptic ulcer caused due to the bacteria. The
common mouth ulcers or canker sores that are accompanied by pain and tenderness can be eased out by gargling with Licorice root water or tea.
3. Manages Liver disease
The root can help in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by
reducing the elevated liver enzymes. According to Ayurveda, although
this may not be a cure for liver diseases, it can help in managing the condition, when taken with other liver protective herbs like Bhringraj, Giloy, Punarnava etc.
4. Reduces blood sugar levels
Quite contrary to the name ‘sweet root’ given to the herb, licorice
root has antidiabetic properties, and hence, considered effective for diabetes
patients. Therefore, if you are a diabetic with high blood sugar
levels, licorice root can indeed be of help. However, if you are already
on diabetic medications, it is necessary to check your blood sugar
levels and adjust the dosages on consultation with your doctor, before
consuming it.
5. Prevents Cancer
It is said that licorice root can protect against the carcinogenic
DNA damage. This is because the root has certain polyphenols that can
kill cancer
cells. Further, studies have revealed that licorice root can be a potent
alternative to chemotherapy in killing cancer cells, as it comes with
lesser side-effects.
6. Skin Care
Licorice root is excellent for skin care,
as it works well for all skin types. Being a natural demulcent, it
exhibits a mild smoothening, brightening action on skin. When used in
serums, cleansers, spot treatments and masks, it helps with issues such
as hyperpigmentation and sun damage, leaving the skin brighter and
clear. The extracts of the root are also potent medicine for red,
acne-prone skin.
7. Hair care
Licorice has several properties that soothe scalp, helping in getting rid of irritations such as scabs and dandruff.
When used with henna, it acts as a good hair conditioner, resulting in
silky, shiny hair. No wonder that the herb has been referred to as
‘keshya’ in Ayurveda.
To use licorice root:
There are several ways to include the root in your diet. If you are
using licorice for health reasons, you can use the dried root or its
extract in the form of supplement. You can powder the root, mix 2grams
of licorice powder with half a cup of warm milk and consume. Another
option is to have it in the form of tea.
To make licorice root salve, add 2 tbsp of dried licorice root to 6
cups water and bring to boil. Cover the pan and simmer for 40 minutes.
Add this to cold compress and apply to the skin to heal skin disorders,
or add this solution to a bath for relief.
When using it for washing hair, boil two tablespoon of dried licorice
root with 6 cups water and allow to be simmered for 40 minutes. Allow
it to cool, and use this as a rinse for hair treatment. For topical
applications
Precautions to be taken:
- Licorice should always be used in well-moderated dosages, especially when treating diabetes and blood pressure. Using high amount of licorice for prolonged periods may lead to increased blood pressure. Therefore, Ayurveda does not recommend more than 3gms a day. However, a person suffering from hypertension should avoid taking licorice for prolonged period.
- Regular intake of the herb is not advisable in patients who have an history of low potassium, as prolonged intake of licorice can lead to low potassium and high sodium in the body, leading to fluid retention.
- As licorice affects blood sugar levels, diabetic patients should take it only on consultation with a doctor.
- If you are already on blood thinners, or taking medications for other illness, avoid use of licorice.
- Pregnant women, nursing mothers and women on birth control pills are also advised to avoid licorice.
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