(For sale in the Herbs section of the shop)
Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
(For sale in the Herbs section of the shop)
Hardy perennial and very ancient herb, prized for its sweet root, whose glycosides are fifty times sweeter than sugar. Plant has been cultivated since 1562. Grows to about 4 ft (1.2m) high, divided leaves and violet pea-like flowers, followed by long seed pods. Name comes from the Greek "glykys", meaning sweet, and "rhiza", meaning root.
The Egyptians used to put it in funeral jars. The Chinese believed the plant would give long life and strength. The Romans used it in battle, believing it wo9uld induce calmness. It came to Europe in the fifteenth century. However, the plant is at least three thousand years old.
Gerard - "The root of Liquorice is good against the rough harshness of the throat and breast. It openeth the pipes of the lungs when they be stuffed or stopped, and ripeneth the cough." It is used in many Chinese herbal medicines to balance other herbs. Dried root is given to Chinese children to promote muscle growth.
Liquorice detoxes and protects the liver. It is a remedy for coughs, chest ailments and digestive disorders. It is well-known for its use in confectionary. However, do not use the root for self-medication as it can increase blood pressure and potassium levels. Therefore, it is not given to people with high blood pressure, kidney disease or on digitalis drugs. The late-Victorians used the powdered root as a laxative. Promotes hepatitis recovery. Anti-inflammatory. Lowers blood cholesterol. Also used in treating duodenal ulcer. It helps improve metabolism but if taken for too long it can lead to water retention. Potent healing agent for TB. Powdered root is used in pill making.
Liquorice is used to flavour Guinness and is added to many tobaccos. It was a valuable crop in Tudor times - so much so that after Pontefract Castle was destroyed in the Civil War, the huge courtyard was covered with 4 ft of topsoil for growing Liquorice. This remained so until the 1880's.
Plant in sun. Grows best on sandy soil near streams. Won't flourish on clay. Doesn't like freezing weather. To encourage strong root growth, remove flower heads. Cut down foliage in autumn. Plant disappears until mid-spring. Can be invasive, but is a handsome plant.
CAUTION - AVOID PROLONGED USE: CAN CAUSE SODIUM AND WATER RETENTOIN. MAY ALSO LEAD TO VOMITING IN EXCESS. GLYCYRRHIZA INCREASES BLOOD PRESSURE SO AVOID IF NECESSARY. AVOID USE IF PREGNANT.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*