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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is an herb long used in ancient Chinese medicine and folk herbalism, renowned for its wide range of therapeutic effects. It derives its scientific name from the Greek word for “sweet root” and common name from a French word also meaning “sweet root”—and that is what is so remarkable about this herb; a key compound in this herb, glycyrrhizin, is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar! Licorice has a rich history of being used in candies and dried sticks of licorice can even be chewed as a delicious, sugar-free and mouth freshening agent that is remarkable sweet....

     When the days grew colder and the nights grew longer, people of ancient times would light candles and gather round fires to honor the return of the Sun in Spring, and set an energetic stage for manifestations of abundance and health. Traditionally, they would also commune to share gifts, as well as enjoy feasts and an array of festivities. Dances were danced and songs were sung and all would delight in decorating their homes and villages with garlands made from Mother Nature.       One of the most famous celebrations of Winter Solstice in the world today takes...