Licorice

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
~1 Corinthians 13:12~

“Things I will never like: 1. Drying off with a cold, damp towel. 2. The feeling of seaweed wrapping around my legs. 3. Anything that was popular in the 70’s. 4. Licorice, yam, or raisins…”
~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes, #11~

Among a list of things he will never like, cartoonist Bill Watterson of “Calvin and Hobbes” honors licorice with being number four.

I would concur. When I was a child, I would wrinkle my nose at the rope candy; however, while under the care of a functional practitioner several years ago, I was given the liquid herb to help heal some digestive issues I was having. A compliant patient, I took the licorice concentrate and stumbled on a startling discovery:  my body craved this licorice! It assuaged my nausea, soothed the pain, and I soon sought its healing powers in tea. The delicious fragrance was a mucilaginous balm as I drank it all day long, coated with its gentle elixir. Licorice had me in its spell!

A common Chinese medicine, it is the root of the licorice plant that is harvested and dried. Pour some boiling water over that chopped root, and what is extracted is a natural sweetener. In like fashion, when we allow Holy Spirit to root out our dislikes and areas of (something), what He harvests in our lives is manifold. As Holy Spirit is poured into those places, what is released is new life and the ability to give off the oil of joy. Spreading His gentle sweetness into my soul, those areas are healed.

“Let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
~Psalm 5:11 NIV~

I thought I knew about licorice, and my fixed opinion about the stuff prevented me from enjoying its benefits. As we mature in the Lord, we find we have to let go of prejudices that had taken root as children. What I mean is that we grow accustomed to our own ways of thinking. The question we fail to ask ourselves is, Is it possible that there is an angle to a problem that we haven’t considered? Dr. Rick Marks (https://www.relatewell.us/) works through this concept, saying that

“Teachable people are mature people.
Immature people are not teachable.
When we move to being teachable, an outgrowth of humility,
things become possible.”
~RelateWell~

I absolutely didn’t know that it was even possible for me to like licorice, but I hadn’t ever taken the time to consider the possibility.

This is a simple metaphor, but the message is clear:  what are the thought patterns in our relationships that just might have different perspectives if we open ourselves up to the possibility that we haven’t considered certain variables?

 It is no wonder my practitioner prescribed it in healing my gut; its natural benefits in relieving digestive issues are myriad. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties basically blanket the whole body that is undergoing stress, fatigue, respiratory clogging, muscle cramps, or immune deficiency. There are even claims that it can help regulate hormones, good news for women cresting the hilltop of maturity.

“We’re like licorice.
Not everybody likes licorice,
but the people who like licorice really like licorice.”
~Jerry Garcia~

“Licorice steeped in vinegar, with honey and cloves.
It will give you some strength and clear your head.”
~George RR Martin~

Licorice Root Tea

5 T. Sliced licorice root
1 cinnamon stick
1 slice ginger root
5 c. Water

Bring ingredients to a boil, simmer 10 minutes. Strain and sip!