Licorice and Peppermint
2 min readLicorice
Sweet (Earth), neutral, Yang
Licorice, one of the most important ingredients in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, acts as a catalyst and regulates the effects of other herbal remedies. Its soothing characteristics are known to counteract toxins, and to have a calming effect on a body wracked by acute symptoms of a disease. Licorice invigorates the functions of the heart and lungs; it lubricates the lungs, soothing chronic and irritable coughs, and aids digestion by protecting the spleen and the lining of the stomach. Licorice is frequently used as an antiphlogisitic (anti-inflammatory) for sore throat, boils, and irritation of the skin. It can also be useful as an antidote to poisoning by too many medicines or herbal drugs. Licorice is not a common ingredient in American cuisine. Nutrient values for licorice are therefore not available.
Peppermint
Pungent (Metal), cool, Yang
Peppermint rises and affects the upper body, particularly the lungs. It alsoexerts a purifying effect on the organs of digestion and on the liver. It is an aid to digestion and an efficient painkiller. Drink peppermint tea to cool you down in summer; the leaves may be chewed both to freshen the breath and to relieve toothache and mouth sores. Rub a little peppermint oil or fresh juice on your forehead and temples to relieve headache; drop a few drops in your ear for earache; rub some on mosquito bites to relieve itching. Peppermint is not a common enough ingredient in American culinary practice to find nutrient value statistics.
