Licorice, Liquorice Root, Glycyrrhiza glabra is a member of the Fabaceae family. The name Glycyrrhiza comes from the Greek ‘γλυκύρριζα, glykyrrhiza‘ meaning ‘sweet root’, a name that Dioscorides used in his Materia Medica, unsurprisingly as it is said to be between 50 and 170 times sweeter than sugar. It is a popular flavouring, including in tobacco and has been popularised as a flavouring in confectionary across the world. It is also used as a foaming agent in beer. Early medicinal uses date back over 4000 years and travellers were said to chew the herb to stave off hunger and thirst. Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that liquorice can harmonise the effects of other herbs, entering all of the 12 meridians. Magically, it can be burned on altars and is thought to bind spells. It is also associated with love, lust and fidelity, along with the planet mercury.
Liquorice is native to North Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. It is a perennial plant that grows to 1 metre tall with pale purple or blue flowers.
The natural constituents of Liquorice root are:
Bitter principles, Triterpine saponins including glycyrrhiizin, coumarins, flavonoids, liquiritin, sterols and polysaccharides.
This product contains dried root.
Avoid in Pregnancy
Suggested use: Add 1 teaspoon per mug of freshly boiled and slightly cooled water, allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain to remove herbs.
Please do remember that magical descriptions are for entertainment purposes only. Do not give herbs to children and be aware that if you are taking prescription medication, have a known medical condition or are pregnant or lactating, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner and a qualified herbalist who is a member of a professional organisation such as NIMH or CPP before taking herbs. Please do not offer herbs to other people without making them aware that they should also follow this advice.
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