Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Southern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, european herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Licorice
Scientific Name	Glycyrrhiza glabra
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Glycyrrhiza
Species	glabra
Native Range	Southern Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Expectorant, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Common Name: Licorice
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Sweet Root, Glycyrrhiza, Sweetroot
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Glycyrrhiza

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 meters.
Leaves: Lateral veins form distinct reticulate patterns on the lower surface, with upper surface exhibiting a dull green hue and lower surface displaying a paler, often whitish or grayish coloration.
Flowers: Inflorescence of 4-5 flowers in a spike, each flower with 5 white petals and 5 yellow stamens, actinomorphic, with a superior ovary and 2 lobed stigma.
Stems: Cylindrical, woody, and cylindrical in cross-section, the stems are typically erect, branched in an alternate pattern, and often covered with a dense layer of fine, soft pubescence.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a calming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Expectorant: Commonly referenced as a gentle expectorant, in respiratory system contexts.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a warming tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Sedative: Historically regarded as a moderate sedative, for relaxation-oriented uses.

Active Compounds

Saponin: Plant-derived compounds characterized by their soap-like properties.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Alkaloid: Organic compounds biosynthesized by plants as part of secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: This herb has been associated with interactions when used alongside certain pharmaceutical medications.
Toxicity: The use of this herb has been linked to reported toxic effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.