KASHMIRIS AND LIQUORICE ROOTS OR SHANGAR OR MULETHI

                                                                                          

SHANGAR.....OR MULETHI  .....OR LIQUORICE...

Shangar was a frequently used word in the Kashmiri language. It was readily available in every Kashmiri household.

" kya sa tche tchotuth zuv ta potus  karhai shangar"

" What happened? You did so much for them, yet in the end, they neglected you"

         Or

" tche gayii shangar"

"Shame! Shame! You couldn't make it"

Word Shangar was symbolically used to shame a person or convey neglect. Hakeems and doctors would prescribe Kehwa tea made from Shangar or Mulethi or dried Liquorice roots for many ailments like throat infection, cough, fever, stomach ulcer, liver infection, urinary tract infection and jaundice.

" diss shangri kehwa pagaah aasi theek"

"Give him kehwa made from Liquorice root. He will be alright tomorrow"

I have been given this kehwa repeatedly. We kept a good stock of Liquorice root in our house. A barber suggested that I apply powder made from crushed Liquorice root to boils that would erupt on my skin during college days. For a sore throat, mother would force us to gulp a cup of 'Shangri Kehwa'. It was sweet and had a different aroma/flavour.

Afghans taught Kashmiris the art of using Liquorice extract( obtained after boiling the roots in water) with tobacco. For its antiseptic properties, it was also applied ( in powdered form) to wounds. Every Bohra shopkeeper in Kashmir sold Shangar.In our UT,  it was also used as medicine by Vaidyas who practised the Ayurvedic system of medicine. I was told this by a senior Ayurveda doctor:-

 “Traditionally, liquorice was used as a medicine rather than as a spice. Ayurveda recommends the root as beneficial in the treatment of coughs, colds, and other bronchial irritations. Liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, which is highly beneficial for respiratory infections. For colds and respiratory afflictions, it can also be combined with fresh ginger. Liquorice is also beneficial to treat eczema, skin rashes, psoriasis, and itchy and dry skin. The demulcent and anti-inflammatory agents in liquorice may decrease the signs of eczema. Liquorice can also be used to treat other types of inflammation,n such as in arthritis, allergic disorders, asthma, chronic fatigue, depression due to hormonal imbalance, emphysema, and hypoglycemia. Liquorice also exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of liquorice may prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, reduce plaque, fight bad breath and keep the teeth and gums strong and healthy. For women, the anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and estrogenic action of liquorice might assist with PMS symptoms including mood swings, breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, nausea and bloating. The flavonoids in liquorice may help reduce excessive fat accumulation in the body. The liquorice root extract is also often used to treat digestive and intestinal problems such as dyspepsia (heartburn), gastric ulcer, stomach distress, bloating, and indigestion. Liquorice is beneficial for health in several ways. However, one of the drawbacks of liquorice is that it may cause peripheral oedema (fluid retention) due to the retention of sodium and a loss of potassium, which typically disappears when liquorice is stopped. This can cause high blood pressure.”

 I am told that it is still a folk medicine in  Europe and Central Asian countries. And now, Shangar or Mulethi is no longer found in our households. 

(Avtar Mota)

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