Liquorice Herb Uses

This plant, which is a native of the Mediterranean region, is commercially grown throughout the temperate zones of the world and extensively cultivated in Russia, Iran, Spain and India. It has been used medicinally for 3,000 years and was recorded on Assyrian tablets and Egyptian papyri. The Latin name Glycyrrhiza comes from 'glykys' meaning sweet, and 'rhiza' root.

It was first introduced to England by Dominican friars in the 16th century and became an important crop. The whole of the huge cobbled courtyard of Pontefract Castle was covered by top soil simply to grow liquorice. It is sad that Pontefract cakes are made from imported liquorice today.

Species

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Liquorice

Hardy perennial. Ht l.2m (4ft), spread lm (3ft). Pea-like, purple/blue and white flowers borne in short spikes on erect stems in late summer. Large greenish leaves divided into oval leaflets.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

The seedlings often damp off. In cooler climates the seed tends not to be viable. Root division is much easier.

Division

Divide when the plant is dormant, making sure the root has 1 or more buds. Place into pots half filled with compost. Cover with compost. Water well and leave in a warm place until shoots appear. Harden off, and then plant out in early spring or autumn. If the latter, winter in a cold greenhouse or cold frame.

Pests and Diseases

Largely pest and disease free.

Maintenance

Spring: Divide established plants.

Summer: Do nothing.

Autumn: Divide established plants if necessary.

Winter: In very cold winters protect first year plants.

Garden Cultivation

Liquorice needs a rich, deep, well-cultivated soil. Plant pieces of the root, each with a bud, directly into a prepared site 15cm (bin) deep and lm (3ft) apart in early spring or in autumn during the dormant season if the ground is workable and not frosty.

Liquorice does best in long, hot summers, but will need extra watering if your soil is very free draining.

Harvest

Harvest roots for drying in early winter from established 3 or 4 year old plants.

Container growing

Never displays as well as in the garden. Use soil-based compost. Feed throughout the growing season and water until it dies back.

Culinary

Liquorice is used as a flavoring in the making of Guinness and other beers.

Medicinal

The juice from the roots provides commercial liquorice. It is used either to mask the unpleasant flavor of other medicines or to provide its own soothing action on troublesome coughs. The dried root, stripped of its bitter bark, is recommended as a remedy for colds, sore throats and bronchial catarrh.

Liquorice is a gentle laxative and lowers stomach acid levels, so relieving heartburn. It has a remarkable power to heal stomach ulcers because it spreads a protective gel over the stomach wall and in addition it eases spasms of the large intestine. It also increases the flow of bile and lowers blood cholesterol levels.