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LICORICE
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(Glycyrrhiza
glabra)
Top
Pick
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Other
Names
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Lacris,
Licorice Root, Lycorys, Sweet Licorice, Sweet
Wood.
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Description
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Licorice is a perennial plant
native to Mediterranean, southern and central
Europe and northern
China.
It is also widely cultivated around the
world.
The woody stock is brown on the outside
and yellow on the inside, with a very sweet
taste.
The yellowish or purplish flowers bloom
from June through August depending on the
location.
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Classification
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Moist
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Taste
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Very
Sweet
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Balance
Yin/Yang
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Neutral
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Humor
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Fire
é
Water
ê
Air
ê
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Uses/Applications
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Licorice is widely used as an
expectorant for coughs, colds, and
flu.
Use to treat peptic ulcers, abdominal
colic, gastritis, depression, and bladder or
kidney ailments.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it
excellent for treating
arthritis.
It is also used to treat adrenal
insufficiencies such as hypoglycemia and
Addisons disease.
It counteracts stress and purifies the
liver.
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Root
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Decoction
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Use to
reduce stomach acidity with
ulcers.
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Syrup
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Use
this soothing expectorant for asthma or
bronchitis.
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Tincture
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Take
for arthritis, gastric inflammation, and to
encourage adrenal function after steroid
therapy.
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Combinations
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For
bronchitis combine with
Coltsfoot.
For
gastric problems combine with Marshmallow,
Comfrey, or
Meadowsweet.
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Constituents
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Glycosides, Saponins,
Flavonoids, Volatile Oil, Asparagine,
Chalcones.
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Action
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Expectorant,
Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Spasmodic, Mild
Laxative, Tonic, Demulcent, Diuretic, Pectoral,
Alterative, Emollient.
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Food
Values
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Vitamin
E & complex B’s, Phosphorus, Biotin,
Niacin, Acid, Lecithin, Magnesium, Iodine,
Chromium, Zinc.
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Part
Used
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Root.
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Collection
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Collect
in late fall.
Clean and dry
thoroughly.
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Preparation
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Capsules
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Take
three times a day.
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Decoction
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Put 1
Tsp. of root in a cup of
water.
bring to a boil, then simmer for 15
minutes.
Take three times per
day.
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Fluid
Extract
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Let
juice sticks dissolve slowly in an equal volume
of water to produce a strong extract that can
be used as a decoction, tincture, or
syrup.
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Growing
Directions
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Plant
root cuttings about 18 inches
apart.
Plant in rich, well manured, and well
drained soil.
Once Licorice is established it becomes
extremely invasive.
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History
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Licorice has been used
medicinally since at least 500
BC.
It still appears in the Pharmacopoeia as
a “drug” for stomach
ulcers.
The species originated in the
Mediterranean and the Middle
East.
It has been cultivated in Europe since
the 16th Century.
It is a very important tonic, and it is
often referred to as “The Grandfather of
Herbs.”
It has
been a main stay in Chinese medicine for over
5000 years where it is used as a tonic to
rejuvenate the heart and
spleen.
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Additional
Information
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1.
The root contains glycyrrhizin which is
50 times sweeter than
sucrose.
The juice sticks are the solidified
extract that is sold
commercially.
2.
Be sure what you are getting is actually
Licorice and not Anise Seed that is often
substituted.
3.
Animal studies are being conducted
related to Licorice’s anti tumor qualities
against cancerous
melanoma.
4.
The National Cancer Institute has
researched compounds derived from Licorice Root
that inhibit the growth of cancer
cells.
5.
Studies have shown glycyrrhizin, a
Licorice compound, to possess anti-viral
properties effective against the polio virus,
herpes zoster, herpes simplex, and HIV
virus.
6.
European researchers have published
excellent results in their ulcer
research.
A 12 week study of 874 duodenal ulcer
suffers published in the “Irish Medical
Journal” showed DGL healed their ulcers faster
than Tagament with no hormonal side
effect.
7.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic
properties have also been
studied.
One study showed Licorice taken
internally has anti-inflammatory properties as
well as applied like a hydrocortisone cream to
treat inflammation.
8.
A study published in “Microbiology and
Immunology” shows how Licorice fights herpes
simplex virus.
9.
Many laboratory studies have shown
Licorice fights disease causing bacteria such
as staphylococci and
streptococci.
10.
Asian studies show the herb helps control
hepatitis and improve liver function in people
with cirrhosis of the
liver.
11.
Licorice is a very impressive herb well
supported by research.
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Cautions
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1.
Avoid use if you have high blood
pressure.
2.
Do not take if you have a rapid
heartbeat.
3.
Do not take if you are on dioxin based
drugs.
4.
Do not use if you have kidney
disease.
5.
Licorice candy does not offer the same
benefits as preparations made from the
root.
6.
Do not use if you have a heart
condition.
7.
If you are pregnant consult your
physician before taking
Licorice.
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Magick
Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Venus
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Love,
Lust
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Magickal
Uses:
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Chewing on a Licorice
stick will make you
passionate.
Add to love and lust sachets to attract
your true love.
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