Description

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

HERB COMMON NAME :  Licorice

HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Glycyrrhiza Glabra

FAMILY :  Fabaceae

ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :

• Element: Fire
• Planet: Mercury
• Day: Tuesday
• Direction: South
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus
• Chakra: 1st Root Chakra (Muladhara)
• Energy: Yin
• Gender: Feminine
• Rune: Dagaz
• Tarot: the Hermit Tarot
• Sabbat or Holiday: Lammas / Lughnasadh (August 1)
• Deity or God / Goddess Association: Hades

Parts Used:  Root / Rhizome

Description:  The herb Licorice’s genus name is derived from the Greek word “glukurrhiza”, which means “sweet root”. Licorice Root has been used for over two thousand years, with the oldest records dating back to ancient Assyrian, Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian cultures. Large quantities were even found in the tomb of King Tut (1356 to 1339 BCE). Its use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dates back to 190 AD, when it was called the “guide herb”.

Aside from its use in making candies and lozenges, licorice root is used to flavor many types of beverages, including teas, carbonated soft drinks, beers and cordials. Licorice root is also used decocted to produce infusions, tinctures and syrups.

Licorice is an important herb in medicine. Licorice root is the part of the herb that is used. It has long been used to help problems such as sore throats and coughs. It is believed that licorice root may work better for a dry cough than codeine, helping bring up phlegm. It makes a great tea for colds and bronchitis.

Licorice root is used for asthma and allergies. It is also used for inflammation of the mucous membranes of any part of the body, as well as for autoimmune diseases.

In addition, licorice is a powerful aid in fighting stomach problems. The root can help to alleviate a stomachache and it can also fight more serious stomach problems such as peptic ulcers. For heartburn and acid reflux, it is believed to be as effective as antacid tablets. It also soothes gastrointestinal inflammation and irritations such as GERD, gastritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Licorice root is also said to be a mild laxative. If you have problems with your urinary tract, licorice can provide relief.

Licorice root can help Addison’s disease, a rare disorder of the endocrine system.

Licorice can also be effective for skin conditions such as herpes, insect bites, and even sunburn.

It also has some antiviral properties and current research is looking at how licorice can be used for viral infections such as herpes, hepatitis, and even HIV.

Licorice root has been used to help lyme disease.

The Chinese use it for arthritis because it contains saponins, which are anti-inflammatory chemicals that act like steroids.

Licorice root improves blood circulation to the scalp to promote hair regrowth. It also contains anti-inflammatory substances that can help soothe your scalp.

Historical Uses:  low estrogen, tonic, anti-depressant, depression, adrenal restorative, adrenal tonic, anti-tumor, cancer, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, inflammation, anti-tussive, mucoprotector, sinus inflammation, expectorant, detoxifier, demulcent, hepatoprotector, anti-ulcer, mild laxative, constipation, aldosterone-like action, anti-spasmodic, corticosteroid withdrawal, hypoglycemia, cataracts in diabetes, stimulates production of adrenal hormones, hepatitis, cirrhosis, menopause, hot flashes, estrogenic, gastritis, Addison’s disease, sore throat, cough, cold, flu, influenza, bronchitis, loss of appetite, vomiting, oral thrush, asthma, allergies, autoimmune disease, stomach ache, ulcer, acid reflux, antacid, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), urinary tract infection (UTI), herpes, insect bites, sunburn, HIV, lyme disease, steroid, circulation, hair loss, alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, arthritis

Mystical Attributes:  Licorice root is a magic herb that heightens magical power in spell work.

Hoodoo practitioners use licorice root for conjuring, commanding, convincing, glamour, and control spells. This makes it useful for negotiating contracts and finding employment. Drinking the tea is said to empower, while getting the person you’re affecting to actually ingest the root or touching them with the oil is believed to be especially effective.

Licorice root is also very powerful when it comes to love binding spells. But use with caution as its power should not be taken lightly. It can create a lustful passion. But used carefully, can help with love and fidelity. Chewing on a piece of the root may bring passion. Simply drinking the tea may act as a stimulant between lovers.

Licorice root is believed to help cheat death and is useful in magic spells related to eternal life. It has also been used to ease the path of the dead.

Licorice root was buried in tombs and caskets to help the soul pass easily into the afterlife.

Licorice root is good for wand making.

Mystical Intentions:  commitment, binding, fidelity, cheating lover, attraction, love spells, boosting magical power, love spells, lust, sex magic, tantric magic, sexual potency, passion, conjuring, calling spirits, calling ancestors, commanding, convincing, glamour, control, promises, oaths, contracts, keeping promises, finding employment, eternal life, funeral and burial rites, magic wand making, power

Taste & Smell:  Natural licorice root contains compounds that provide much more sweetness than cane sugar, but has a more delicate flavor than the candy, which is actually flavored with anise.

Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Licorice is a flowering shrub-like plant in the pea and bean family found throughout Asia and now naturalized in some parts of Europe.

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a member of the Fabaceae family and is an herbaceous perennial, growing to 3 feet (1 meter) in height, with pinnate leaves about 3-6 inches (7–15 cm) long, with 9–17 leaflets.

The flowers are 1/2-1/3 inches (0.8–1.2 cm) long, purple to pale whitish blue, produced in a loose inflorescence.

The fruit is an oblong pod, 1 inch (2–3 cm) long, containing several seeds.

The roots are stoloniferous.

Licorice grows best in deep valleys with full sun. It prefers well-drained soils.

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or autumn in a greenhouse.

Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer when in active growth. Plants are rather slow to grow from seed, so many growers prefer division. Take divisions of the root in spring or autumn. Each division must have at least one growth bud. Divisions can be replanted immediately into the garden bed.

Licorice root, which is harvested in the autumn from second or third year plants, is dried for later use, either as cut pieces, root sticks or ground powder.

Store dried root pieces or dried leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Contraindications & Toxicity:

• Long-term use may lead to high blood pressure and water retention.

Constituents:

• Triterpene saponins
• Glycyrrhetinic acid
• Glycyrrhizic acid (GZA)
• Flavonoids and isoflavonoids
• Polysaccharides (glucans)
• DGL (deglycyrrhinized licorice)
• Phytosterols
• Coumarins
• Volatile oils
• Amino acids
• Gum
• Lignans
• Starch
• Sugars

Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources

**IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product.

PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions.

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