Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Fabaceae)

Other Names: Licorice, Sweet Herbs, Sweet Tree

Liquorice, a shrub native to southern Europe, grows to about 1 meter with upright branches bearing leaves composed of 7–17 green leaflets. Its tiny pale blue or purple flowers form inflorescences, and it has thick woody roots and creeping stems up to 2 meters long. The fruit is a reddish-brown pod.

Parts for Use

Roots

1. Harvested in autumn from plants at least three years old, washed, and dried in the sun.
2. Used chopped, powdered for decoctions, infusions, or juice.

Ingredients

Liquorice roots contain polysaccharides, coumarins, phytosterols, flavonoids, saponins, and traces of essential oil contributing to its aroma and sweet taste. Flavonoids and saponins, particularly glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid, are the most pharmacologically active.

Use in Treatment

Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid in liquorice offer multiple medicinal benefits, including treating digestive issues like ulcers, inflammation, swelling, cramps, slow digestion, vomiting, and bloating. They soften mucus to relieve cough and asthma, stimulate immunity, and combat throat and mouth infections, tooth decay, and plaque formation. A 1980 study confirmed glycyrrhizinic acid’s anti-inflammatory effects on UV-induced skin redness. Liquorice’s flavonoids protect liver cells and fight free radicals, while its mild estrogenic properties are notable. It promotes aldosterone secretion, which retains water and sodium but may deplete potassium, potentially causing side effects in large doses, especially for those with heart or liver issues.

Cultivation

Grows well in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny location. Sow seeds in spring.

Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Digestive Problems, Cough, Asthma)

1. Decoction: Place 1 gram of dried roots in a glass of cold water, boil for 10–15 minutes, strain, and drink 2 cups daily with main meals.
2. Infusion: Place 1–2 teaspoons of root powder in a cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink 2 cups daily.

Warnings

1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
2. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Do not use if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney issues, or conditions preventing salt excretion.
4. Limit glycyrrhizin intake to 100 mg daily.
5. Use with a low-salt diet and do not exceed six weeks of treatment.