Description :
Licorice, a member of the pea family, is a perennial that is native to Asia and Southern Europe. It has aggressive roots that spread horizontally and have a distinct sweet taste when chewed. The leaves are the classicly divided leaves of the pea family that grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. The leaves are about 3 to 6 inches long and usually grow in clusters of between 9 and 17 leaflets. Pale blue to violet pea flowers appear in summer. Licorice root can be dried, ground and brewed into teas. In Ancient Greece, Licorice was supposedly taken internally as a liver tonic, to help with acid reflux and hepatitis. It was also allegedly helpful with skin conditions and canker sores.
History and Folklore:
The Latin name, Glycyrrhiza glabra, means sweet root. The Greek physician, Dioscorides, coined the species name which is derived from a combination of Greek words: glukos, meaning sweet and Riza, meaning root. Modern research discovered that one of the main constituents of the root is glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. The Romans renamed glycyrrhiza to liquiritia which later evolved into the name we know today: licorice.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the root while the flowers are in late bloom.
Precautions:
Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Do not use in persons with high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, or pregnancy.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Alterative, Aperient, Antiviral, Restorative, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent
Other Names:
American Licorice, Sweet Root, Amolillo, Raiz Del Desierto, Palo Dulce
Related Species:
Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Ingredients: Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Nolan –
des153 (verified owner) –
Have not used this yet. Am in the process of getting my stock pile set. Have started some tinctures at home and hope to fill in with the items I can’t do myself.
des153 (verified owner) –
Used this for the flavoring when mixing other herbs to fight bronchitis. I like licorice so it made the other tinctures taste better!