Athimaduram – The Self Contended Herb

Summary

Licorice,the natural herbal sweetener is known for many of its uses in Ayurveda.Highly recommended for respiratory, oral and intestinal ailments, it is a precious plant that belongs to the land of India. It holds great importance in Ayurvedic books and is a superb rejuvenator of ill health. Read on to know many of its unexplored benefits

Introduction

Athimadhuram the name itself signifies its great sweet taste. Commonly known as Licorice its roots are used as a natural sweetener as well as a drug to treat many conditions .Licorice has the name of Madhuyasti (Sweet stick) in Ayurveda and highly recommended to treat respiratory ailments and inflammatory conditions. In some Ayurvedic preparations licorice is being added to mask the bitterness of other ingredients. It is a universal plant not only in India all over the world it is used a home remedy. Dried root of this plant has been recommended by Ayurveda for treating respiratory tract illness such as sore throat, cough and wheezing. It was given to decrease the body heat and to quench excess thirst. Antitubercular and strength promoting activity of Licorice have been quoted in ancient Ayurvedic books. Licorice root, as a rejuvenator and as an aphrodisiac assisted to induce sexual desire in Hypo sexual Women.

What it contains?

Licorice contains active principles of Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizin acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, asparagine, sugars, resin and starch.

Healing benefits of Athimathuram

Principally it is a cooling & sweetish herb, retains its sweetness even after mixing up with digestive juices. It promotes strength, vision and virility. It clear off blood impurities and improves skin complexion. Modern pharmacology approves the following activities of Licorice with scientific evidences.

Demulcent– Licorice is a muco-protective herb forms a soothing layer over the mucus membrane and relieves minor pain and inflammation.

Expectorant– Dissolves the phlegm for easy elimination from lungs which is useful in treating respiratory conditions.

Laxative– Licorice has mild laxative effect; it protects the intestinal lining by increasing the mucous production, hence alleviates painful conditions of gut and heals the fissures caused by Constipation.

Tonic– Tones up the body parts and provides strength by regulating the physiological functions.

Antiasthmatic– Licorice inhibits histamine release from the mast cells thus provides relief from airway contraction causing asthma.

Blood purifier– Licorice eliminates toxic metabolites from the blood and supports immunity to fight against the allergens.

Anti-ageing– It exhibits high antioxidant activity through its free radical scavenging ability. Hence licorice has been recommended for delaying the ageing process and to maintain the youthfulness.

Simple Home remedies with Athimathuram

• Power made of dry fried Licorice root, Kadukkai(Chebulic myrobalon) and Pepper mixed with honey is helpful in relieving dry cough caused by dust, smoke and allergic reactions.
• Chewing a small piece of licorice relieves cough.
• Licorice paste can be applied to remove bad smell from axilla
• For itchy skin diseases paste made with licorice leaves can be applied externally