Licorice, the sweet herb

I grow many of my herbs from seed. This includes licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and it is a perennial legume. Considering we're at the tail end of 'summer' I thought it was wise to repot what I have grown this growing season. Mine dies down over winter and emerges as the weather warms up. Just look at that root in the pic. The root is the part we use herbally.

Licorice is commonly used herb in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is considered a synergist which enhances the efficacy of the other herbs contained in a formula. It is something that is often used in herbal teas as a natural sweetener and it is the same thing added to the sweets some people enjoy. Sometimes it may be added to a herbal formula to make it more palatable. Yes, I do know many herbs taste unpleasant because I've tried nearly all of the ones in my dispensary!

As a herb, this is used for many things in Western Herbal medicine.

☘It has a mild laxative action so may be supportive for the bowels. I have clients who I have made a 'poo brew' for and they have found it has worked for them.

☘It is mucoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitussive and expectorant making it a herb with an affinity for the lungs when someone has asthma, cough, or bronchitis.

☘It may support the gut in the case of gastric reflux, gastritis and peptic ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory and mucoprotective properties.

☘I may add it to a formula for someone who is stressed, has signs of adrenal insufficency or has Addison's disease as it it an adrenal tonic.

☘It is used with paeonia for PCOS.

Please note, it interacts with some medications and is contraindicated with some medical conditions like cardiac issues, high blood pressure, oedema, liver or kidney disease. With myself, I find I retain much fluid when I even just have a little bit as part of a herbal tea blend. If in doubt consult your naturopath or medical herbalist.

Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, showing root growth from a plant sown in spring this year.