The root of the liquorice plant has been used by humans for over 3,000 years. It was even found in King Tut’s tomb in an effort to assist him in the afterlife! Closely related to the pea, the liquorice plant originated in southern Asia, spreading through the Middle East and into southern Europe. Hidden in the pages of history, liquorice’s arrival in the UK dates to around the 11th Century, when monks, or Crusaders, first brought the medicinal mediterranean root to the country. The herb was grown for its medicinal uses with physicians using it as a cure-all for everything from stomach ulcers and heartburn, to colic, bronchitis and tuberculosis. Demand for the ‘miraculous’ black liquid was so great in the 18th century, that the roots were stored in castle dungeons instead of weapons, gunpowder and prisoners!
The liquorice root has a taste up to 50 times sweeter than sugar – so no wonder horses love the stuff! But it’s not just useful because it’s so palatable. 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 the horse’s metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
For gastric health, liquorice promotes healing of gut ulceration and supports the GI tract by lowering gastric secretions and soothing irritation and inflammation. Liquorice is also beneficial in optimising respiratory health, aiding clear airways. It soothes and relieves irritation of the mucous membranes, helping relieve bronchial spasms, and just happens to be a powerful expectorant too.
Nick-named “Black Gold” at Pro-Equine HQ, liquorice is a key ingredient in Ulsa-Soothe, Pro-Breathe and Pro-Stamina.
