Natural Licorice Stick – Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice root is a woody root extracted from the perennial plant Glycyrrhiza glabra , mainly cultivated in the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the Middle East. Used since ancient times for its demulcent properties and sweet flavor, the root is dried and packaged as sticks for chewing or infusion.

Description

Dried woody root, light to dark brown, cylindrical, with a fibrous texture. Characteristic sweet odor, intense taste reminiscent of anise. Chew as is or cut for infusion.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Licorice, licorice stick, sweetwood
• Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
• Family: Fabaceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Whole stick, dried
• Origin: Mediterranean, Western Asia, Middle East
• English name: Licorice root stick
• Name in German: Süßholz
• Name in Spanish: Regaliz
• Name in Italian: Liquirizia
• Name in Arabic: عرق السوس (ʿIraq as-Sūs)

Main virtues

Traditionally used for its natural sweetness, licorice stick is also appreciated as a candy substitute, as an ingredient in infusions, or in craft beverages. It is used in the production of liqueurs, syrups, and decoctions.

Main constituents

Glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, starches, glycyrrhizic acid, polysaccharides, volatile oils.

Use and dosage

• Chew: As a substitute for sugar or tobacco, 1 small stick at a time.
• Infusion: 1 to 2 small pieces in 250 ml of hot water, infuse for 10 to 15 min.
• Decoction: boil for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the desired intensity.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not consume in excess (risk of hypertension, water retention).
• Not recommended in cases of heart or kidney failure, or under antihypertensive treatment.
• Recommended for occasional use. Not recommended for pregnant women.

History and origin

Used in Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese medicine, licorice is one of the oldest plants in the world's medicinal repertoire. It was also used as a natural flavoring in beverages, confectionery, and ritual incense.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: dry, at room temperature, in an airtight container.
• Packaging: whole sticks in kraft bag or metal box.
• Appearance: Cylindrical woody stem, light to dark brown.
• Odor: sweet, characteristic of licorice.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• European Pharmacopoeia
• Corpus of Mediterranean medicinal plants
• Natural History of Pliny the Elder

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