You know lately I’ve been thinking about happiness. I have noticed that we are so concerned with being happy and as a result we are less happy. We think the wrong things will make us happy. Material things can only make us happy when they are new and usually last only but a few hours. Can I be honest with you? When I got into exchanging letters with my pen pals I got so excited and every day I looked forward to going to the post office in hopes that I received a letter. I believed that it would make me “more happy.” This has changed for me because my purpose of writing letters has changed. I now see it as a way for me to be creative and form a connection with another person. I question why we go after happiness so much because happiness is based upon what happens that day. We believe that we have to be happy all of the time and when we are not happy we quit or give up. We are so consumed with our feelings that we forget others and their feelings. Instead of running after what we think will bring us happiness we should be after the meaning of life because it is much deeper. We all need a sense of belonging and a purpose. God made many promises but one of them was not for us to be happy because the feeling of happiness comes and goes. Instead we should strive to find joy and peace. I’m retraining my mind every day from believing that happiness is so important and I no longer seek happiness the way I did before. Instead, I choose to find peace and joy in whatever is thrown my way because I know that God is in control. My purpose is to raise godly children who know that they belong and are loved. I want to teach them to be curious about the world they live in by writing five new questions each day and then looking the answers of those questions up. I want them to never use the word bored because life is far from boring and there is always something new to learn and relearn.
When you think of Licorice you probably think of licorice candy and you probably love licorice candy or hate it. However, I’m talking about licorice root. My sister first introduced me to licorice root and I’ll talk about that some more later in the post. Licorice root is from the pea family. Licorice root is said to help relieve coughs and sore throat. It also helps with skin problems such as acne and dark spots. We bought licorice extract and simply applied it using a cotton ball. It helps with hair loss, dandruff, and itchy scalp.
In the past Chinese kids sucked on licorice root as a remedy for coughs. Greeks used licorice root to quench their thirst.
You can buy licorice whole, chopped, ground, or extract.
Licorice is an antiviral herb.
It should not be used during pregnancy or for those with hypertension. It can raise blood pressure so people with high blood pressure or heart problems should not use too much licorice. Please use small amounts and for a short amount of time.
Licorice Gummy Candies
My kids do not like spoons full of medicine. They don’t mind if it is “hidden” in a drink. They also don’t mind if it is small and is in the form of a candy. These are so easy to eat and no one seems to mind throwing a few of these gummies in their mouth when they have a sore throat. You have to keep these in the fridge and they only last a few days.
What you need:
3 cups of water
1 tablespoons cups of honey
3 tablespoons of gelatin
small amount of lemon juice and orange juice (squeeze)
a few pieces of fresh ginger
a pinch of ground turmeric or a few pieces of chopped turmeric
a pinch of ground licorice root or a few pieces of chopped licorice root
1/2 cup full of dried elderberry
mold
coconut oil for greasing
First you want to grease the mold (get small size molds so the candy can fit easily in the mouth) with coconut oil. Add all the ingredients except gelatin in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Then turn it off and strain the water through a cheesecloth so you are only left with water. Leave it until it has cooled. Turn on the heat again and add gelatin powder slowly. Mix constantly until the gelatin has melted. Once the gelatin has melted pour the mixture into mold and place in the freezer until it has hardened. Take the gummies out of the mold and store in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. You can always add more gelatin depending on how hard or soft your children want their gummies to be.
Licorice Toothbrush
My sister a while back shared with me how someone she knew never used a toothbrush because she was allergic to all types of toothpaste so instead she used a licorice root as her toothbrush and toothpaste. I was so excited to learn this since I love all things natural. I went on Amazon and ordered licorice root for my children and I. When you buy the licorice root you first need to place one side of the root in some water then you could bite on it and once it looks like a paintbrush you are ready to brush you teeth. I like the flavor and so does Elizabeth. Esther can tolerate it as well but my other two children do not like it.
The great thing about using licorice root as a toothbrush is that there is no weird aftertaste and it doesn’t make your food taste bad after you have brushed your teeth. This is a 100% natural toothbrush. It is said that brushing your teeth with licorice root prevents gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections.
This is perfect for taking camping with you as you simply take the root out and brush your teeth.
Have you ever heard of licorice root?
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The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any diagnosis.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I have heard of licorice root before. But only because I’m into essential oils, and holistic medicinal practices. What a great homeschool lesson!
robin rue
When my kids were little, I always paid extra for flavorings in their medicine. It definitely went down better when it was disguised.
Laura @ MommyDearest
I have heard of licorice root in passing, but never knew that you could use it as a natural toothpaste and toothbrush. I also thank you for sharing the cough gummy recipe. It’s so hard to give my little guys medicine but if I gave them a gummy they would probably be more likely to try it.
Kansas Bonanno
these gummies look like an awesome idea, what could I use to substitute for the coconut oil ( my daughter is allergic to anything with nut in the name )
Homegrown Adventures
Hi Kansas,
You don’t have to use coconut oil if you are using a non stick mold. Any oil works fine.
Angela Tolsma
I have never heard of licorice root but it sounds interesting. I love that you made gummy’s for your kids not something I would have thought to do!
Krystal Butherus
I have not heard of licorice root! I love licorice, while my husband does not. Because you mentioned that it’s used for coughs and sore throats, maybe that’s why the original Vick’s cough syrup tasted like licorice?
Britney Kaufman
I didn’t know licorice had so many benefits! We always try to go the natural way with our kids.
Jessica
Wow I had no idea there were so many things licorice root was good for. I think those gummies are a great idea for kids
Jessica Joachim
I love how you mentioned that it seems the more we think about being happy, the less happy we are. It isn’t something we can plan, it is something we have to live and enjoy!
Terri Steffes
I love your molds for your gummies! I am a big licorice root fan. I don’t use it often, as I do have high blood pressure.
AnnMarie John
This is such an informative post! I’ve learned so much about Licorice root from reading this and I definitely had fun with the whole post, it’s really something that I’d love to share with my kids!
Diana V
I want to make those licorine gummies for my daughter, thanks for the easy recipe
Rachel
I wonder if my kids would like this. They actually do like licorice and my husband loves it.
Melissa Chapman
I never used or even heard of the licorice root before but it sounds like it is a great natural cure. When used as a toothbrush it sounds so good and maybe even better than toothpaste.
Kimberly Lewis
I haven’t heard about licorice root before. what a fun way to introduce it to your kids
Shoshana Sue
I have heard of licorice root. My mum used to take it as part of her herbal cancer treatment in powder form. It was quite bitter but worked.
Jeanine
How interesting I had never heard of licrorice root before. It sounds like something worth checking out I wonder if my kids would actually like this? Will have to see!
Heather
What a great learning lesson! I didn’t know this much about licorice but really enjoyed learning in this post and know my kids would have so much fun with it too!
shandy kaye
I love eating gummy candies! I want to do this, what a perfect idea to give this on valentines day.
Britt
Oh yum! Those look so good! I’ve heard a lot of good things about using licorice!