🍂 Herb of the Week: Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice root is a deeply harmonizing herb with a long history of use across many traditional medicine systems. Known for its naturally sweet flavor and soothing qualities, licorice root has been used to support the adrenal system, digestion, and respiratory health. Rather than forcing change, it works by nourishing and restoring balance.

Working with licorice root brings softness and steadiness into the body. Whether prepared as a tea, decoction, or tincture, this herb supports resilience, especially during times of stress, fatigue, or depletion.

Botanical Snapshot

Latin Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Common Names: Licorice Root
Parts Used: Root
Native Range: Southern Europe and Asia

According to Plants of the World Online, Glycyrrhiza glabra is an accepted species traditionally valued for its medicinal root.

Energetics and Herbal Actions

Licorice root is warming, moistening, and nourishing. It supports the adrenal system, soothes irritated tissues, and harmonizes herbal formulas.

Herbal Actions

Adaptogen
Demulcent
Anti-inflammatory
Expectorant
Antiviral
Harmonizer

Therapeutic Uses

Adrenal and Stress Support

Licorice root is well known for supporting adrenal function. It has traditionally been used during periods of chronic stress or fatigue to help the body maintain energy and resilience.

Digestive and Gut Support

Its demulcent qualities help soothe irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Licorice root has been used for heartburn, ulcers, and general digestive discomfort.

Respiratory Support

Licorice root supports the lungs by soothing dry or irritated tissues and helping loosen mucus. It is often included in formulas for coughs, sore throats, and bronchial irritation.

Immune and Inflammatory Support

With its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, licorice root has been used to support immune response and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Contraindications and Safety

Avoid long-term or high-dose use without guidance.
May increase blood pressure in some individuals.
Avoid use with hypertension, kidney disease, or during pregnancy unless supervised.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) differs in action from whole licorice root.

Folklore and History

Licorice root has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and European herbalism.
It was often added to formulas to enhance effectiveness and reduce harsh effects of other herbs.
Ancient texts describe licorice as a strengthener of qi and vitality.
It has long been associated with harmony, nourishment, and longevity.

Practical Ways to Work with Licorice Root

Decoction: Simmer root gently for sustained nourishment.
Tea: Combine with other herbs to soften flavor and action.
Tincture: Use in small doses for adrenal and digestive support.
Respiratory Blends: Combine with mullein or marshmallow root.
Formula Harmonizer: Add small amounts to complex herbal blends.

✨ My favorite way: a gentle licorice root decoction blended with ginger and cinnamon during times of stress or fatigue.

Licorice root reminds us that balance often comes from nourishment rather than force. Its sweet, steady presence supports restoration, resilience, and harmony across multiple systems of the body.

References and Further Reading

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: Old World Plants. North Atlantic Books.
Plants of the World Online (Kew): Glycyrrhiza glabra
Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research