11/02/2022
Closely related to the pea, Liquorice originated in southern Asia, spreading through the Middle East and into southern Europe. Hidden in the pages of history, liquorice’s arrival dated to around the 11th Century, when monks or Crusaders first brought the medicinal mediterranean root to the country. The herb was grown for medicinal use in the castle grounds. By 18th Century, Yorkshire’s imposing fortress had an entirely different purpose. By 1720, as demand shaped the local economy for medicinal liquorice (at the time physicians used it as a cure-all for everything from stomach ulcers and heartburn to colic, bronchitis and tuberculosis), the castle was rented out and roots were stored in the castle dungeons instead of weapons, gunpowder and prisoners!
Liquorice root has been used by humans for over 3000 years and was even found in King Tut’s tomb in an effort to assist him in the afterlife. It has been considered a popular ‘go to’ herb with herbalists in all cultures throughout history.
The root offers a taste of up to 50x sweeter than sugar, no wonder horses love the stuff! But read on as it's the amazing beneficial properties that really will grab your attention!
The most beneficial properties of liquorice for horses lie in its ability to promote healthy adrenal gland function. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your horse's metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
Supporting gastric health, Liquorice will promote healing of gut ulceration and support in the GI tract by lowering gastric secretions and soothing irritation and inflammation.
Liquorice is beneficial in optimising respiratory health, aiding clear and healthy airways in horses. It soothes and relieves irritation of the mucous membranes, helping relieve bronchial spasms. And just happens to also be a powerful expectorant (an agent that promotes the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, etc from the respiratory tract).
Nick named “Black Gold” at Pro-Equine HQ, you will find our Liquorice blends in the DIGESTION & RESPIRATORY web pages.
www.pro-equine.com