View Full Version : Licorice Root Toothbrush
vitamaltz
04-30-2009, 16:41
Has anyone ever forgone a plastic toothbrush for a licorice root? I chew these now and then, and they're very lightweight. When you nibble on the end of the root, you expose the root fibers, which have a texture almost exactly like a soft toothbrush. They taste really good, last a long time, and nibbling them is kind of a nice pastime for someone who can't sit still. They were apparently used as toothbrushes all over the world a few centuries ago.
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=3812697
vitamaltz
04-30-2009, 17:06
I know my post makes it sound like I'm a shill for the licorice industry. Really, I'm just a dude who likes chewing on roots and thought it was a good UL idea.
Possible health issues? See for example http://www.hersheys.com/nutrition/licorice.asp
I know my post makes it sound like I'm a shill for the licorice industry.
That, and being your first post.
vitamaltz
04-30-2009, 17:27
Yeah, I'd seen the stuff about the acid before. You don't have to really ingest much of it to turn it into a toothbrush, though.
vitamaltz
04-30-2009, 17:28
I've been here for a long time, just never had anything original to say until now.
Possible health issues? See for example http://www.hersheys.com/nutrition/licorice.asp
It also lowers testosterone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizin
vitamaltz
04-30-2009, 19:48
It also lowers testosterone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizin
That wouldn't be good! Seriously though, I think one small stick would last for many weeks. Once you have the brush formed, you don't have to consume any of it.
The stuff I have I picked up in Colonial Williamsburg. Not sure if it's exactly the same as the stuff in that link or not.
Toothbrush alteration seems to be the classic fodder for ridicule of gram weenies. I hike with a regular unalatered toothbrush and don't really care that much because my big stuff is all very light, but the licorice stick bristles do seem to really get the plaque off.
vitamaltz
04-30-2009, 19:50
I should clarify: I'm not sure if the stuff I have is the same as the stuff advertised in the link I posted. I think the taste can vary by variety. It is definitely the same substance and contains glycyrrhizin, which would be a great spelling bee word.
Turtlehiker
04-30-2009, 23:11
Chewing a black birch branch will do the same thing, tastes like birch beer.
vitamaltz
04-30-2009, 23:59
I'll try that. No side effects, good or bad, unless you're allergic to it.