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🌿 Healing with Licorice Root: Harvest, Prepare & Remedy Recipes

Published by on April 18, 2025 Respond

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.

🌾 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.

🛠️ 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

🍵 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.

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).

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.

⚠️ 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.

🧡 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.

📌 #EarthbornRemedies #LicoriceRoot #HerbalMedicine #GrowYourApothecary #MedicinalPlants

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🌿 Slippery Elm: Nature’s Soothing Healer

Published by on April 5, 2025 Respond

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a powerful herbal remedy known for its healing bark, rich in mucilage, which becomes gel-like when mixed with water. This soothing compound coats and calms irritated tissues, making Slippery Elm a go-to remedy for coughs, sore throats, acid reflux, ulcers, and even digestive troubles.

Traditionally used by Native Americans and adopted in herbal medicine globally, it’s gentle enough for children and the elderly, yet powerful in its effect.

💊 Medicinal Properties of Slippery Elm Bark

  • Mucilage: Forms a slippery, soothing gel that protects mucous membranes.
  • Tannins: Offer mild astringent and antimicrobial effects.
  • Nutritional content: Contains calcium, magnesium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C, making it beneficial for weakened systems or during recovery.

🌿 Parts Used: Only the inner bark is used medicinally—never the outer bark. It’s typically dried and ground into powder form.

⚠️ Note: Harvesting bark from a live tree can harm or kill it. Always purchase ethically sourced bark or grow your own for sustainable use.

🧪 How to Prepare Slippery Elm Remedies

You’ll most often use Slippery Elm powder. It mixes easily with warm water and other ingredients to make teas, pastes, or lozenges.

Here are three time-tested remedies you can make at home:

🍵 1. Slippery Elm Throat Soothing Tea

Use for: sore throats, coughs, laryngitis, acid reflux

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp Slippery Elm powder
  • 1 cup hot (not boiling) water
  • ½ tsp honey (optional)
  • A pinch of cinnamon or ginger for added warmth (optional)

Method:

  1. Add the powder to a cup.
  2. Pour warm water and stir until thickened.
  3. Add honey or spices if desired.
  4. Sip slowly to coat the throat.

🥄 2. Slippery Elm Paste for Ulcers & IBS

Use for: internal digestive support—gastritis, ulcers, irritable bowel

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp Slippery Elm powder
  • ½ cup warm water or milk (plant-based milk works too)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for taste

Method:

  1. Mix powder and liquid until a porridge-like paste forms.
  2. Eat 1–2 tablespoons up to 3 times a day on an empty stomach.

🍬 3. Homemade Slippery Elm Lozenges

Use for: dry cough, sore throat, voice strain

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Slippery Elm powder
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • A few drops of lemon juice or essential oil (like peppermint)

Method:

  1. Combine ingredients until a dough forms.
  2. Roll into small balls or press into discs.
  3. Allow to dry at room temperature or in a dehydrator.
  4. Store in an airtight container.

📦 Where to Get Slippery Elm in South Africa

  • Look for ethically sourced inner bark powder from natural health stores or trusted online herb suppliers.
  • If growing your own, wait until the tree is mature (around 10+ years) before considering any bark use—and only harvest small amounts responsibly.

🎉 Fun Fact!
Slippery Elm porridge was used as a survival food during times of famine in early North American settlements—it’s not only healing but also nourishing!

🛖 Did You Know?
In South Africa, growing your own Slippery Elm gives you access to this healing tree and an attractive shade provider in your garden. Just remember: always protect it from overharvesting.

📣 Have you tried using Slippery Elm before? Would you like to see it in our nursery? Let us know in the comments!

#EarthBornRemedies #SlipperyElmHealing #HerbalMedicineSA #NaturalHealing #GardenRemedies

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🌳 Grow Your Own Quince Tree: A Fragrant Treasure for Your Garden! 🌳

Published by on March 19, 2025 Respond

The quince (Cydonia oblonga), a member of the Rosaceae family, is an ancient and revered fruit tree with origins in Southwest Asia. Once known as the “golden apple” of mythology, quince has been cultivated for over 4,000 years, admired for its heavenly fragrance, ornamental beauty, and delicious fruit.

With its delicate pink or white blossoms in spring and luminous golden-yellow fruit in autumn, the quince tree is a stunning addition to any garden. But it’s not just about looks—quince is packed with culinary and medicinal benefits, making it a valuable plant for home growers.

💊 Medicinal Benefits
Quince has been a trusted remedy in traditional medicine for centuries. Its active compounds, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, contribute to its healing properties. Health benefits include:
✅ Soothing digestive issues like diarrhea and stomach ulcers.
✅ Relieving sore throats and persistent coughs.
✅ Rich in antioxidants, helping to fight inflammation.
✅ Strengthening the immune system with vitamin C.
📌 Caution: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

📅 When to Plant Quince in South Africa
The best time to plant quince in South Africa is late winter to early spring (July to September). This timing allows the roots to establish before summer, ensuring strong growth.

🏡 Where to Plant Quince
Choose a sunny, open space for your quince tree. It thrives when planted directly in the ground rather than in pots. Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A one-year-old sapling is ideal for transplanting.

☀️ Soil, Water & Sunlight Requirements
✅ Soil: Prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0–6.5).
💧 Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Deep watering encourages a strong root system.
🌞 Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure to produce abundant fruit.

📏 Spacing & Growth Tips
🌱 Space trees 3 to 4.5 meters (10–15 feet) apart to allow room for growth.
🌳 Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to boost flowering and fruiting.
🍏 Expect to harvest in 3 to 5 years—patience rewards you with delicious golden fruit!

🦋 Companion Plants & Common Pests
Best companions: Apple trees and pear trees (they thrive under similar conditions).
🐜 Watch out for common pests:
🚨 Aphids – Suck sap from young shoots. Use neem oil or ladybugs for control.
🚨 Scale insects – Can weaken the tree; remove with insecticidal soap.
🚨 Codling moths & caterpillars – Protect fruit with organic sprays.

🎉 Fun Fact!
Quince is rock-hard and tart when raw, but when cooked, it transforms into a sweet, fragrant delicacy with a rich, deep red hue. In ancient Greece, it was a symbol of love and fertility, often given as a wedding gift!

📣 Summary & Call to Action
Growing a quince tree is a rewarding journey that brings beauty, fragrance, and delicious fruit to your garden. With the right care, you’ll enjoy bountiful harvests for years to come. Start planting your own quince tree today!

🌿 Have you ever tried quince fruit? Share your experiences in the comments!

#EarthBornGrower #QuinceTree #AncientFruit #GardeningTips #Homegrown

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