The sketch show "Ural dumplings" licorice root was mentioned as a medicinal drug. This was done for a reason. "Sweet root" (as the name is translated from Latin) is a perennial plant from the legume family. It is known that since ancient times in China licorice is considered the root of longevity and a means to rejuvenate and cleanse the body. And in Tibet it was used as an antidote. In Russia, the plant is used as an effective tool for treating cough in both traditional and folk medicine.
Description
More than 20 species of this plant are known: Bukhara, rough, bristly, three-leafed, Macedonian. The most common types of licorice are: Ural licorice, naked and Transbaikal. Let's consider them in more detail:
- Naked The name of this grass comes from a bare stem, which reaches one and a half meters in height, little branches and is erect. The leaves of this plant are lanceolate, covered with sticky glands, and before flowering they fall. The flowers have a purple color and appear in the summer. The root of this plant is powerful, branched, grows up to 4 meters. It is yellow inside and brown outside.
- Ural. It grows in the Urals. Looks like bare licorice. But it has larger flowers, and the flowering itself is more plentiful. Most often, Ural licorice (see photo below) is used for medical purposes.
- Transbaikal. This type of plant is listed in the Red Book. It grows in the Transbaikal Territory, near ravines, lakes, in meadows and in the steppes. Blossoms in yellow flowers with a purple center. The procurement and collection of this type of licorice is prohibited.
Useful composition
Licorice has in its composition many useful substances:
- Asparagine.
- Essential oils.
- Carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose).
- Saponins.
- Vitamin C.
- Flavonoids.
- Organic acids (malic, succinic, tartaric, citric).
- Gum.
- Polysaccharides (pectin, starch, cellulose).
Healing properties
Licorice, otherwise referred to as licorice, has the following healing effects:
- Antipyretic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antispasmodic.
- Wound healing.
- Antiviral.
- Emollient.
- Expectorant.
- Stimulating.
- Painkillers.
- Antitoxic.
- Antioxidant.
Dry pharmacy mix has all the useful properties of fresh root.
What diseases are prescribed
Ural licorice is used to treat:
- Food intoxication and poisoning.
- Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (bronchitis, tonsillitis, asthma, pharyngitis, pneumonia).
- All types of cough.
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
- Inflammation of the genitourinary system.
- Kidney disease.
- Malfunctioning liver.
- Duodenal and stomach ulcers.
- Violations of the water-salt balance.
- Infectious diseases (acute respiratory viral infections, colds).
- Weakened immunity.
- Prostatitis and prostate adenomas.
- Gynecological problems.
- Skin problems (dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis).
It also accompanies the strengthening of blood vessels and capillaries.
Contraindications
Ural licorice root is not recommended if you have:
- Hypersensitivity of the adrenal glands.
- High pressure.
- Poor blood coagulation.
- Heart failure.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Tendency to thrombosis.
- Individual intolerance.
Application methods
On the basis of Ural licorice they prepare infusions, decoctions, alcohol tinctures, tea. All this is an effective treatment for any type of cough. Preparations can be bought ready-made, or you can make it yourself.
For the preparation of drugs, use the crushed root of the plant:
- Tea. A chopped root is placed in the teapot - 10 grams - and pour it with boiling water, after which it is covered and insisted. After a while, the solution is filtered and drunk in a warm form. Such tea has antioxidant properties and increases the stamina of the body. For its manufacture, you can purchase pharmaceutical powder.
- Tincture of licorice root. One part of the crushed root is laid in a glass jar and poured with the same amount of vodka, after which the drink is removed in a dark place for infusion, periodically, the solution must be shaken. After two weeks, the tincture is filtered and used for treatment. Adults are shown 20-25 drops, diluted in water, drink 2 times a day. The antiviral effect of licorice root is that it activates the production of interferon, which is effective in acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and herpes.
- Licorice decoction. 2 tablespoons of crushed root pour 300 ml of boiling water and put in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then the broth is filtered and the volume is brought back to the original using boiled water. Use for medicinal purposes. This drink has a lot of beneficial properties for the body. For preventive and therapeutic purposes, it is taken for 10 days in a dosage: one tablespoon 4 times a day for adults and a teaspoon 2-3 times a day for children. It helps to fight fatigue, chronic fatigue, stabilizes sleep, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, lowers cholesterol, has an antidepressant effect, and normalizes the work of the endocrine system. With pertussis in children, a decoction of the roots in milk is used.
- Infusion. A tablespoon of crushed licorice root is poured into a glass of boiling water and insisted for half an hour. Then the liquid is filtered and taken 3 times a day, 20 ml, before meals.
- Juice. The roots of Ural licorice can be used to make juice. To do this, they are processed in a meat grinder and squeezed through cheesecloth. The juice is very concentrated. To reduce the concentration, it is diluted with half a glass of boiled water. Drink three times a day. Often, licorice root juice is used to accelerate the healing of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
In medicine
In official medicine, the plant is used to treat cough, as an expectorant and emollient. In addition, there are drugs based on licorice root, which are used as a mild laxative, for constipation and hemorrhoids. In pharmacy chains, you can buy breast collections and breast elixirs from this plant, as well as gastric, soothing and diuretic teas.
Benefit and harm
If you follow the instructions and the recommended dosage of taking drugs from licorice root, they will only benefit. In case of an overdose, the following side effects are possible: itching, allergic reactions, rash, diarrhea. It is not recommended to simultaneously take licorice and drugs that lower blood pressure, diuretic action.
Conclusion
The description of Ural licorice and its useful properties suggests that the plant is a universal medicine and is suitable for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Before purchasing or independently preparing a therapeutic agent, you should consult your doctor.