The Licorice Plant(Western Herb)
LATIN NAME: Glycyrrhiza glabra The Licorice plant is also known as Licorice Root and Sweet Licorice. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION: The plant is a perennial herb that is initially slow growing then spreads rapidly outwards and up to 5 feet tall. It has small, dark green, graceful leaves that stand up by day and droop by night. The licorice herb has mauve, pale blue, or yellowish flowers that grow from the axils and the fruit is smooth, reddish-brown pods. The licorice plant has roots that are made up of two parts and both parts of the root are used. The rhizomes and roots are harvested from plants that are three to four years old. It is an invaluable herb and one of the most widely used medicinal plants for which it is not easy to find an alternative for. Children are usually resistant to unfamiliar taste, but will accept licorice. This makes it an important herbal remedy to keep on hand. Licorice herb can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or cold. TARGET AILMENTS: Take internally for: * Meniere’s disease * Addison’s disease * mild Lupus * asthma * vitiligo * Bell’s palsy * Lyme disease * stomach ulcers * weak adrenals * diverticulitis * heartburn * irritable bowel syndrome * laryngitis * mouth sores * acute sore throat * acute cough * hoarseness * viral infection Apply externally for: * skin sores * herpes * shingles * sunburn * insect bites PREPARATIONS: The Licorice plant is available as tincture, standardized extract in tablets, liquid extract, capsule, bulk herb, powder, tea, lozenge, and candy. It can be used as decoction and tea. Parts used: Roots (rhizome) Collection: Roots are harvested from plants that are three to fours years old. Roots are unearthed in the late Fall. Constituents: Glycosides, glycyrrhetinic acid, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, saponins, volatile oil, coumarone, asparagines, estrogenic substances, chalcones aldosterone, Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiviral, anti-bacterial, expectorant, demulcent, tones weak adrenals glands, Combinations: Licorice combine well with Coltsfoot or White Horehound to treat bronchitis conditions. Licorice combines well with Marshmallow, Comfrey, and Meadowsweet for gastric problems. SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS: * Should not be used during pregnancy * Should not be used by people with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, severe menstrual problems, or a history of stroke. * Licorice herb should not be used on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. It can cause high blood pressure in people with previously normal blood pressure. * Can cause high blood pressure, water retention, and low potassium levels when used for an extended period of time.
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