What is licorice root? Licorice sherbet recipe!
Licorice sherbet, which is one of the indispensable foods of the month of Ramadan, is a completely natural and herbal product.
What is Licorice Root?
Licorice root is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in the treatment of stomach and respiratory problems. Licorice root, whose fibrous roots are used as a sweetener, is considered a 'guide medicine' in Chinese medicine because it is directive.
Why is licorice root sweet?
The sweetness of the root is due to the glycyrrhizic acid it contains, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Today, it is used in the treatment of many ailments, including cough and cold, stomach diseases, intestinal inflammation, constipation, and menopausal symptoms.
Where is licorice root used?
Very useful for skin and hair care, licorice root is widely used as a spice, herbal medicine, in shampoo production and to flavor food products. Licorice root, which has a strong sugar flavor, is boiled to make sherbet and is consumed abundantly in the summer months. It is one of the plants that most of us have heard of but do not know exactly about its benefits. In fact, the region is known by different names in various provinces and is known by this name.
Sherbet, which is frequently consumed during Ramadan, which is described as the sultan of eleven months, maintains its place in the tables from the Ottoman period to the present day. Licorice root sherbet is the most well-known type of sherbet that has been consumed in Anatolia since ancient times.
One of the reasons why we mention this medicinal plant in our article is that it contains many medicinally beneficial substances and that the whole world benefits from this plant in medicine.
How to consume Licorice Root?
In addition to using the root parts, it can also be consumed by making tea. You should definitely have this medicinal plant in your home and benefit from its benefits.
Licorice Sherbet Recipe
For making licorice sherbet;
1 root licorice root
3 liters of water
3 liters of water is put in the pot. If you are making the licorice syrup in the evening, let it sit until morning to put the licorice roots on hold. However, if you want to drink licorice root syrup quickly, it will be enough to soak it in water for 1.5 hours. After waiting for 1.5 hours, the licorice root fibers are squeezed out of the pot. It is then filtered through a strainer and poured into a container.
To make it completely licorice sherbet, licorice roots are filtered well by passing them through cheesecloth. By repeating this filtering process one more time, you will prevent residue and foreign matter in the sherbet. The most important trick when preparing licorice sherbet is not to accumulate sediment at the bottom. After being filled into bottles, licorice sherbet is ready for consumption.
In order to froth the licorice syrup, you can easily froth it by pouring the licorice syrup into the glass from a high place, as the sherbet shops do.
Ingredients (Active Ingredients) and Content
It contains glucose, sucrose, starch, tannin, asparagine, oil, gum, resin, very sweet glycyrhizic acid and glychrizin.
Among the people of licorice root; It is also known as "sweet root, boyam, piam and biam ". It is a plant that blooms yellow, bluish purple or brown flowers in June, July and August, and generally loves the sandy beaches near the streams.
It has 7-15 cm long segmented leaves and a root structure that reaches 1 meter in length under the ground. The roots of some species are bitter, while the roots of some species are sweet.
It is usually collected in September - October at the end of autumn, dried and stored for use.
Benefits of Licorice Root
Health Experts who stated that it strengthens the immune system; "It is good for hoarseness, it is also used for sputum removal and cough.
It also has an antipyretic and pain-relieving effect due to irritation in the cells. Licorice root, which also has a diuretic effect, is beneficial for stomach diseases such as stomach ulcers and gastritis. Licorice root, which is also good for constipation, can also be used as a cramp solver.
Licorice root can be used for liver diseases such as cirrhosis, as well as for skin problems such as acne, acne, psoriasis. they said.
Expert opinions on licorice root
Experts who stated that licorice consumption is very beneficial for our body; "Licorice root can also be beneficial for wounds in the mouth by gargling. Licorice root can also be used to regulate blood pressure and addison's disease. It provides protection against peptic ulcer, which many people complain about.
Its use against adrenal gland diseases is also among the benefits of licorice root. It can be used against hormonal imbalances. Licorice root also protects the liver.
It provides healing against upper respiratory tract diseases such as colds, flu, flu, bronchitis, sputum formation, which are among the diseases we encounter frequently in winter. It also provides protection against hoarseness, which we often encounter in winter.
It benefits the spleen, kidney and liver. It protects the body from toxins. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and tonic properties. It can also be used against gout.
It has a refreshing and relaxing effect. Heals boils and wounds on the body. It relaxes the digestive system, prevents indigestion and constipation. It can be consumed against bladder stones and urination difficulties.
You can use it by gargling for aphthae in your mouth. It is used as a gel for eczema. It can benefit menstrual period or menopause problems.
Studies have shown that it provides protection against colon and breast cancer. Those suffering from polystic ovary syndrome should also consume this medicinal plant. Benefiting from chronic fatigue is also among the benefits of licorice root. It can also be used against diseases such as tuberculosis and dizziness.
1 g 3 times a day as an expectorant. The powder of this medicinal plant is swallowed. 20-25 g per day for the treatment of gastritis and ulcers. Treatment can be provided by chewing licorice root, 30 gr. licorice root powder and 1 teaspoon of flaxseed can be boiled in 1 liter of water for 20 minutes and 3 glasses of this liquid can be drunk daily. This liquid is also suitable for cough treatment.” they stated. (Source: Milliyet / AA / Haberiskelesi)
How to Prepare Licorice Root Tea?
To prepare licorice tea, 3 teaspoons of licorice root purchased from Antik Kuruyemiş are mixed into 3 glasses of water and boiled for 20 minutes.
Then it is continued to be boiled for 10 minutes and after cooling, licorice root tea can be consumed.
So, when should licorice root tea be drunk or how many times a day should it be drunk?
You can consume licorice root tea when hungry or after meals.
A glass can be drunk after lunch and dinner. Due to the known effects of licorice root, this medicinal plant can be consumed as tea and licorice sherbet. Licorice root, which has many benefits for health, should be consumed with caution due to some side effects.
What are the Harms and Side Effects of Licorice Root?
If consumed in excess, it can cause edema in the joints and face, cause high blood pressure and lead to potassium loss in the body.
Therefore, excessive consumption of this plant is harmful. It can also lead to fluid buildup in the body and kidney disease. This medicinal plant can have both benefits and harms.
First of all, you should know that the excess of each plant is harmful and excessive use of licorice root can also harm. Also, in some cases, some people should not use it.
We recommend not to use during pregnancy, that is, during pregnancy and lactating women.
It should not be used by those with anemia, that is, patients with hypertension, that is, high blood pressure.
We also recommend that children do not consume it. If consumed in large quantities, it can cause high blood pressure or headaches.