Licorice

Name:
*Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)


Description:
*deciduous perennial
*grows up to 5 feet tall
*best in zones 7-11

Parts used:
*rhizomes/taproot, either fresh or dried

Position:
*Prefers rich, deep sandy loam
*Needs full sun

Propagation:
*You can plant rhizome segments in the spring
*You can also grow the plant by seed, though this is more difficult. You must use cold stratification, then you must scarify the seeds and finally, you must soak the seeds in warm water for 2 hours. After these three steps, plant the seeds in seed flats indoors. Transplant outdoors when baby plant is at least a few inches in height and all dangers of frost are gone/the soil is warm.

Maintenance:
*Keep weeds away
*This plant does best in locations with a long, hot summer.

Harvesting:
*Both the taproot and the rhizomes can be used. Dig up the plant when it is at least 3 years old and air dry. This can be done in either the spring or the fall season. Strip the dried root of its bitter bark before using.

Medicinal:
*Has a soothing effect for treating coughs, bronchitis, and other lung conditions.
*It has a healing effect on ulcers and inflammatory conditions of the digestive system
*It is an excellent remedy for stress exhaustion
*It is often used to mask the unpleasant flavor of other medicines
*It is a gentle laxative and lowers stomach acid levels, thus relieving heartburn
*It lowers blood cholesterol levels
*It is a possible help for depression
*Infuse the roots as a tea for coughs and chest complaints
*For stomach ulcers, chew licorice root as desired, or take a dose of 1/4 tsp. of powdered root daily

For more information, see: references and warnings