Lust by Licorice

This article is focused on the herb licorice, or licorice root, not the black candy that most of us are familiar with. This Licorice has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac; the Kama Sutra and Ananga Ranga both contain aphrodisiac recipes containing this herb.

The Chinese believe chewing on bits of licorice root will enhance love and lust. They also believe its particularly stimulating to woman.  Ancient Egyptians and Greek warriors would use licorice because it could help out on long marches when a thirst needed slaking. Alexander the Great and the Indian prophet, Brahma, encouraged the use of licorice for its healing properties.

Licorice root contains about four percent glycyrrhizin, which is about 50 times sweeter than sucrose (cane sugar).  As sweet as it is, it is still safe for diabetics.  The aroma of licorice itself is known to be an incredibly potent aphrodisiac.  Alan R. Hirsch, MD, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, conducted a study that looked at how different smells stimulated sexual arousal. He found that the smell of licorice increased the blood flow to the penis by 13 percent!

There are many other health benefits of eating licorice root.  As an aphrodisiac, licorice acts on the glands, especially the adrenals to optimize hormone levels. The adrenals produce sex hormones and are directly involved with a healthy sex drive. It contains many anti-depressant compounds which will help maintain a sexier, more positive mood. 

Licorice also treats PMS and menstrual problems too! The phytoestrogens in licorice have a mild estrogenic effect, making the herb potentially useful in easing certain symptoms such as irritability, bloating and breast tenderness.

Licorice root is used in many candy recipes.  You can also add it to the dressing for a decadent fruit salad. You can make licorice sorbet by infusing licorice root into light homemade syrup, cooling and processing the mixture in the ice cream maker.  We suggest you try the Licorice Lobster, and licorice tea for a super sensual dinner!

Licorice Lobster

Ingredients:

• 4 Tablespoons Clam Juice
• Three Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• Three Tablespoons finely chopped Shallots
• 1 teaspoon Tarragon
• 1½ teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 1½ teaspoons Ground Licorice Root
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Himalayn Pink Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• 2½ tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 split and cleaned Lobsters or 8 Lobster Tails
• One lemon cut into wedges for garnish
• Fresh Tarragon or Parsley sprigs for garnish

Directions:
Spray cooking spray on grill rack and prepare a medium hot fire in the grill.
Combine clam juice, lemon juice, shallots, mustard, licorice, salt, pepper, and olive oil and wisk briskly. (This can be done a day ahead to really allow the flavors to settle together).
Brush sauce over the lobster and grill for four minutes each side and continue until meat is translucent but still juicy.
Drizzle any remaining sauce over the lobster, add garnish and serve.  Boiled baby potatoes makes the perfect side dish to this!

Licorice Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 three inch pieces licorice root
• 2 cups boiling water

Place each root in its own cup and pour boiling water over it.  Allow this to steep for five minutes.  Remove the licorice root and serve.