Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used as a natural remedy for over 4,000 years across cultures from ancient Egypt to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Revered for its soothing properties and distinctive sweetness, licorice root offers potent benefits for the respiratory, digestive, and immune systems.

Let’s explore how to harvest, prepare, and use licorice root safely and effectively in your home apothecary.

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🌾 How to Harvest Licorice Root

Licorice plants take 2–3 years to develop thick, nutrient-rich roots ideal for medicinal use. Here’s how to harvest them properly:

1. Timing: Harvest in autumn, after the aerial parts of the plant begin to die back (usually April–May in South Africa).
2. Dig carefully: Use a fork or spade to gently lift the plant and loosen the long taproots.
3. Select mature roots: Choose thick, yellowish-brown roots with a strong, sweet aroma.
4. Clean and prepare: Rinse soil from roots, slice into small pieces, and air dry in a warm, shaded area for 1–2 weeks. Store in a glass jar away from light and moisture.

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🛠️ How to Prepare Licorice for Medicine

Depending on your desired remedy, licorice root can be used in various forms:

• Dried Root – For infusions, decoctions, or syrups
• Powdered Root – For capsules or mixing into teas and blends
• Tincture – Alcohol extract used for concentrated dosing
• Licorice Honey or Syrup – For sore throats and coughs

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🍵 3 Herbal Licorice Remedies

1. Soothing Licorice Cough Tea

A gentle, mucilage-rich tea that soothes dry throats and eases coughs.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried licorice root (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried marshmallow root (optional)
• 1 cup boiling water

Method:

1. Combine herbs in a cup.
2. Pour over boiling water and cover.
3. Steep 10–15 minutes, strain, and sip warm.

Dosage: 1–2 cups daily during respiratory infections. Avoid if pregnant or on blood pressure meds.

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2. Licorice Tincture for Adrenal Support

Used in small doses to support stressed adrenals and chronic fatigue.

Ingredients:

• 1 part dried licorice root
• 5 parts 40% vodka or brandy (by volume)

Method:

1. Combine in a sterilized glass jar.
2. Shake daily for 4–6 weeks.
3. Strain and bottle.

Dosage: 1–2 ml up to 3 times daily under supervision (maximum 6 weeks at a time).

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3. Licorice Digestive Syrup

A sweet syrup to coat and protect the stomach lining, easing heartburn or ulcers.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried licorice root
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup raw honey

Method:

1. Simmer root in water for 30–40 minutes.
2. Reduce to 1 cup, strain, then stir in honey while warm.
3. Store in a sterilized bottle in the fridge.

Dosage: 1 tsp before meals, up to 3x/day for 1–2 weeks.

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⚠️ Safety Tips

• Do not use long-term (over 6 weeks) without supervision.
• Avoid in cases of high blood pressure, kidney issues, or during pregnancy.
• Children under 12 should only use licorice remedies under guidance.
• Consider deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for ulcer care if you’re sensitive to glycyrrhizin.

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🧡 Final Thoughts

From soothing coughs to restoring energy and healing digestion, licorice root is a powerful ally in herbal medicine. With mindful use and respect for its strength, you can harness this sweet root for natural healing right from your Earthborn garden.

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