Liquorice - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb
Liquorice is a tonic, a diuretic, and a mild laxative and has cooling properties. It s sweet in taste, it reduces vayu and pitta.
It has been used with success in vomiting, nausea, ulcers, hoarseness of voice, skin disorders, hiccough etc. The dose (powder of the peeled root) is 20-40 grains.
There is a very simple and at the same time very useful preparation. Take liquorice mixed with triphala in the ratio of 20 : 40 grains daily at bedtime or early in the morning with milk, preferably cow's milk. The regular use of this prescription gives a very clear motion, and the urine also becomes clear.
Those who complain of premature ageing and senile debility may use this with advantage. In cases of excessive debility, loha, abhrak or banga bhasma can be added (doses) 1 to 2 grains each.
In epilepsy, the powder of liquorice is given with kushmand.
Ghee prepared with liquorice is used for the purpose of dressing wounds.
Liquorice is given with ativisha, pepper and yavakshara to children emaciated by chronic fever or cough. Liquorice taken by pregnant women promotes the natural growth of the infant and at the same time improves the complexion of the child.
Many ayurvedic preparations contain liquorice as a b ase. A very well known remedy is Swadishta Virechana Churna, which is useful as a mild laxative and a boon to those suffering from piles. Taken 2-3 teaspoons at bedtime it acts as a blood3purifier and also leads to a satisfactory motion. It is given to women after child – birth to increase breast milk.
Those suffering from leucorrhoea can take it as it will increase strength and vitality. All the ayurvedic texts agree that given with ghee and honey for a long time it is the best rasayana (rejuvenator) and Vajikarana (aphrodisiac). The Chinese have also ascertained the rejuvenating properties f liquorice and it is the main ingredient in jintan.
The decoction of liquorice is useful in stomatitis as well as hoarsenes of voice and laryngitis.
Its powder is given with honey in cases of jaundice and it allays excessive burning or heat.
Lozenges prepared from liquorice root are efficacious in bronchial affections. In ancient times, the root was used as an antidote against scorpion sting.
