Licorice Root: Materia Medica
Société Apothecary
Sweet and grounding, Licorice Root is more than just a candy flavor—it's a cherished medicinal herb used for over 4,000 years across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. If you've ever been drawn to herbs that smell like licorice, you already know the distinctive, almost magnetic quality of that warm, anise-like sweetness. Known as a harmonizer in herbal formulas, Licorice soothes inflammation, nourishes the adrenals, supports respiratory function, and gently restores balance. Its sweet nature reflects its gifts—comforting, moistening, and tonifying body and spirit alike. "Licorice Root smooths the edges, calms the fire, and sweetens the journey—an ancient ally for resilience and restoration." MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Glycyrrhiza glabra Common Names: Licorice, Sweet Root, Gan Cao (TCM) TCM Name: 甘草 ( Gan Cao ) Ayurvedic Name: Yashtimadhu Family: Fabaceae (Pea family) Physical Description of the Plant A hardy perennial legume, Licorice grows up to 5 feet tall with pinnate leaves, purple-to-blue flowers, and long, wrinkled brown roots rich in glycyrrhizin. The plant has a sprawling root system, often harvested after 2–3 years of growth. Habitat Native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. Cultivated globally in temperate regions with deep, rich soils. Commonly grown in Iran, India, China, and parts of the U.S. Harvest and Collection The roots are dug in fall or early spring, cleaned, and dried. The older the root, the sweeter and more potent the medicine. Parts of the Plant Used Root (rhizome and stolons) Qualities Sweet, earthy, slightly bitter Energetics: Cooling to neutral, moistening, tonifying Key Actions Adaptogen (mild) Demulcent Anti-inflammatory Expectorant Antiviral Antispasmodic Endocrine modulator Hepatoprotective Antiacid Harmonizer (in formulas) Chemical Constituents Glycyrrhizin (sweet triterpenoid saponin) Flavonoids (liquiritin, glabridin) Polysaccharides Coumarins Isoflavones Indications Dry coughs, sore throats, bronchial inflammation Gastric ulcers and acid reflux Adrenal fatigue and burnout Inflammatory conditions (skin, gut, joints) Viral infections (cold, flu, hepatitis, herpes) Menstrual cramping or hormonal imbalance Excess heat with dryness (skin, lungs, digestion) Diagnostic Picture Licorice Root is indicated where there's deficiency and dryness—burnout, overwork, or inflammation needing soothing. It suits people who are exhausted but wired, dry but inflamed, needing a moistening buffer and a gentle lift. Licorice excels at soothing the overburdened system while lending calm, sustained energy. Contraindications & Cautions Do not use in high doses or long term in cases of high blood pressure, edema, or kidney issues—can cause sodium retention and potassium loss (pseudoaldosteronism). Not recommended during pregnancy in high doses. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is a safer option for ulcers and long-term gut support. Always monitor use in those with cardiovascular or renal concerns. Drug Interactions May interfere with diuretics, corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, and potassium-depleting drugs. Can enhance the effects of some antiviral medications. Dosage Tincture: 1–2 mL up to 3x/day Infusion (Tea): 1 tsp dried root per cup, simmer 10–15 min Powder: 1–2 g/day (consult practitioner) DGL Tablets: For ulcers/reflux—chewable, 300–400 mg 2–3x/day before meals Combinations With Marshmallow and Slippery Elm for digestive inflammation With Astragalus and Eleuthero for adrenal and immune support With Thyme and Mullein for dry, irritated lungs With Ginger for a harmonizing and warming digestive tonic With Dong Quai or Peony in hormonal formulas Folklore & Historical Use Licorice was prized in ancient Egypt (found in King Tut's tomb), revered in Chinese medicine for its harmonizing effect in formulas, and used in Ayurveda to soothe the voice and cool inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gan Cao is called "the great harmonizer," believed to enter all 12 meridians and unify herbal blends. In European folklore, it was known to "sweeten the voice" and was chewed by singers, speakers, and travelers alike. Applications Drink as tea for sore throats or dry lungs, use tincture for systemic inflammation or adrenal fatigue, or blend in formulas to harmonize and amplify other herbs. Licorice Root is a bridging herb—connecting, balancing, and smoothing energetic edges. Recipes Soothing Throat Tea Licorice Root Marshmallow Root Fennel Simmer 10 min; drink warm for cough or throat relief. Adrenal Nourish Tincture Licorice Root Ashwagandha Schisandra Take during burnout or stress recovery. Digestive Soothe Decoction Licorice Root Chamomile Slippery Elm Simmer gently; drink before meals for reflux and irritation. Scientific Research Modern studies support Licorice Root's anti-inflammatory, mucosal-protective, and antiviral effects. Glycyrrhizin shows promise for liver protection, viral hepatitis, and ulcers. Research also supports licorice's adaptogenic and endocrine-supportive roles, though long-term use should be closely monitored for side effects. Closing Thoughts Licorice Root is a balm for the body and spirit—sweetening, softening, and restoring with ancient wisdom. Whether you need immune support, adrenal nourishment, or gentle inflammation relief, this humble root offers a bridge back to balance. Explore our herbal line featuring Licorice Root—blended with care, sourced sustainably, and crafted for harmony. Other Herbs That Smell Like Licorice: Botanical Companions to Know If you've fallen for the warm, sweet-anise aroma of Licorice Root, you're in good company—and you'll be delighted to know that the plant world offers a whole aromatic family of herbs that carry that same signature scent. These are herbs that smell like licorice not because they contain glycyrrhizin (the compound unique to Glycyrrhiza glabra ), but because they share a different aromatic molecule called anethole —a naturally occurring compound responsible for that unmistakable sweet, anise-like fragrance. Understanding these botanical relatives helps you build richer, more nuanced herbal blends—and deepens your sensory literacy in the apothecary. Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) Perhaps the most familiar of the licorice-scented herbs, Fennel carries a bright, sweet anise aroma in its seeds, fronds, and bulb alike. Traditionally used to settle digestion, ease bloating, and support lactation, Fennel is a beautiful companion to Licorice Root in throat and digestive teas. Its warming, carminative quality makes it a staple in both the kitchen and the apothecary. Anise ( Pimpinella anisum ) Anise seed is one of the most concentrated sources of anethole, giving it a scent even more intensely licorice-forward than fennel. Used for centuries to ease coughs, support digestion, and calm infant colic, Anise brings a sweetly medicinal quality to herbal blends. It pairs beautifully with Licorice Root in respiratory formulas. Star Anise ( Illicium verum ) A staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine and warming winter spice blends, Star Anise is actually unrelated to common anise—yet it smells remarkably similar, thanks again to anethole. It's antiviral, warming, and deeply aromatic. Star Anise is used in TCM to support the kidneys and warm the middle jiao, and is perhaps best known in the West as the source of shikimic acid, a precursor used in antiviral pharmaceutical research. Tarragon ( Artemisia dracunculus ) A beloved culinary herb with a soft, sweet licorice-like fragrance, Tarragon also contains anethole and related volatile compounds. In herbal medicine, it has been used traditionally to stimulate appetite, support digestion, and ease menstrual discomfort. Its subtle, refined aroma makes it a lovely addition to herbal honeys and infused vinegars. Sweet Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) Certain varieties of Basil—particularly Thai Basil and Holy Basil (Tulsi)—carry a warm, clove-meets-licorice scent profile. Tulsi ( Ocimum tenuiflorum ), an Ayurvedic adaptogen, has its own rich medicinal history as a nervine, immunomodulator, and respiratory herb. Its aroma is complex and spicy-sweet rather than purely anise-like, but it sits comfortably in the company of licorice-scented herbs. Chervil ( Anthriscus cerefolium ) A delicate, feathery herb popular in French cuisine, Chervil has a gentle anise-parsley fragrance and has been used traditionally as a mild digestive tonic and spring cleansing herb. It's more culinary than medicinal in modern use, but its soft licorice scent makes it a sensory delight in fresh herb bouquets and infusions. Hyssop ( Hyssopus officinalis ) Hyssop carries a complex, herbal-meets-anise aroma and has been used in Western herbalism for centuries as an expectorant, antiviral, and digestive herb. Mentioned in biblical texts and beloved by medieval apothecaries, Hyssop's licorice-adjacent fragrance and respiratory affinity make it a natural companion to Licorice Root in lung and throat formulas. When building blends, consider that these herbs that smell like licorice often share functional affinities too—many are carminative, expectorant, or antispasmodic—making them natural allies in respiratory, digestive, and soothing formulas alongside Licorice Root itself. Three Licorice Root Recipes to Try at Home Soothing Licorice Root Tea 1 tablespoon dried licorice root 2 cups water 1 teaspoon honey (optional) A slice of fresh ginger (optional) Place the dried licorice root and ginger slice in a small saucepan. Add the water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and stir in honey if desired. Enjoy warm for a soothing drink. Licorice Root Syrup for Coughs 1 cup dried licorice root 3 cups water 1 cup honey Combine the dried licorice root and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. Strain the mixture and return the liquid to the pot. Add honey and gently heat until well combined. Store in a sterilized glass jar and take by the spoonful as needed. Licorice Root & Oatmeal Face Mask 1 tablespoon licorice root powder 2 tablespoons oatmeal powder 1 tablespoon honey 2-3 tablespoons water Mix the licorice root powder and oatmeal powder in a bowl. Add honey and water to the powders and stir until a smooth paste forms. Apply the mask to clean, damp skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with a moisturizer for a refreshed complexion. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbal remedies, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.