The Herbarium
Print plate
Licorice botanical plate

Herb. No. 024 · Fabaceae

RangeFig. atlas
Approximate native range — a teaching atlas, not a survey

Deep-rooted plant of dry West and Central Asia. A long-game crop.

Native · West Asia · Mediterranean · Central Asia

Native Also grown
LegalCautionplant

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Medicinal herbsHarvest

Sweet root that soothes mucosa and supports adrenals — and can raise blood pressure if overused.

Glycyrrhizin is 50 times sweeter than sugar and inhibits cortisol breakdown, which is why chronic high-dose licorice causes hypertension, edema, and low potassium. Short courses for a raw throat or DGL for the stomach spare most of that risk. A formula harmonizer in Chinese herbalism.

Flavor

Intense sweet anise; aftertaste is woody and a little salty.

Parts used

Root

Helpful

  • Superb demulcent
  • Makes bitter formulas drinkable

Cautions

  • Raises blood pressure
  • Drops potassium
  • Not for daily candy-level use

Field assistant

Ask about traditional use, safety, or the law. The assistant will not teach illegal cultivation or give medical orders.

Related symptoms

coughsore throatindigestionfatigue

Remedies with this plant

  • Thyme-and-honey kettle

    Adult: one 8 oz cup, 2–3 times a day, 3–5 days. Thyme is the teaspoon; licorice is a thin slice, not a handful. Honey: ½–1 tsp per cup. Not for infants.

Harvest this plant

When to cut, how to dry, and how to store it — garden and kitchen crops only.

Open harvest notes