Herb of the Month: Licorice

Herb of the Month: Licorice

Cara Green

If you are anything like me, you formed a relationship with licorice early in childhood. Although far from it’s true natural form,Twizzlers, Red Vines, and colored licorice candies were enjoyed in movie theaters or in Halloween goodie-bags. Beyond the occasional licorice candy, and tea for a sore throat it wasn’t until I began my journey with herbalism later in life that I began to work with licorice root more intimately and learn that the twizzlers I thought were licorice candies, were not licorice at all! Those common store bought candies are actually flavored with anise, which smells and tastes like licorice. As I began my journey with plant medicine, I found that licorice worked wonders on me! I find myself often reaching for it, whether it is too soothe an upset stomach, a sore throat from seasonal allergies, or most often, adding licorice to my very strong medicinal teas that are much better for me than they taste!  Licorice medicine is a balm for so many ailments-a sore throat, upset stomach, a stubborn cough or menstrual cramps, and it helps make those bitter medicinal tea blends taste delicious! 


For thousands of years, Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has been used in food and medicine within many different cultures. It is said that the first people’s to utilize licorice were the Chinese, Assyrians, and Egyptians who revered this medicinal herb within their ancient practices. It is understood that from China, the popularity of licorice spread to Africa, Europe, and beyond. Currently, licorice root is cultivated mainly in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. One of the earliest documentations of licorice root dates back to ancient Egyptian times, where mention of this herb was found in King Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt, the discovery of this tomb occurring in the 1920’s during the height of archaeological diggings and research. There is also frequent mention of licorice root from ancient Greek philosophers and soldiers, who chewed on licorice roots to keep their stamina and spirits alive. This herb is native to Europe and Asia, where it’s tuberous and lengthy root systems can be harvested in it’s wild habitats to be used for medicine and cooking.


This delicious and powerful herb is an expectorant, is anti-inflammatory, and is moisturizing and cooling - making it a great plant ally for hot and dry tissues. Today, licorice is most commonly used for supporting the digestive system. This herb is great for addressing symptoms of acid reflux or GERD, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, inflammation, and constipation. Licorice is also a popular remedy for soothing sore and scratchy throats and dry coughs. For many, licorice provides immediate relief for those painful sore throats and dry coughs, as it quickly coats, soothes, cools, and moisturizes those tender tissues. In natural cough syrups and throat lozenges, you can almost always count on licorice to be a key ingredient! This herb helps to clear mucus from the airways, breaking up any built up toxins or residue within the respiratory system. 


With all of these amazing medicinal benefits to licorice, it is important to note that this herb isn’t suitable for everyone. Consuming licorice root can adversely affect those with pre-existing heart conditions,blood pressure disregularities, or kidney dysfunction and is therefore not recommend to individuals who have any of these conditions. Consuming too much licorice can also cause hypertension, headaches, fatigue, and significantly lower blood pressure. So, as always with any herb, make sure you check with your doctor or care provider to make sure working with this herb is right for you.


So, as we enter into the season of all things back-to-school, allergies, and travel, try adding a little licorice root into your wellness routine to soothe those colds, flus, and stomach bugs. You can find licorice root in our Wellness Kit, Well Belly Capsules, Soul Shine Tincture, Anti-Viral Tincture, Berry Immunity Tea, and more!


Sources:

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/licorice

https://licorice.com/blogs/news/the-delicious-history-of-licorice

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