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Uses

Toxic parts

A gross overdose of the root can cause oedema, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure[1][2].

Edible uses

Notes

Root - raw or used as a flavouring. The source of liquorice powder that is extracted and used in sweets, baked goods, ice cream, soft drinks etc[3][4][5][6], it is also used medicinally. A sweet and delicious flavour, but the root is very fibrous[K]. The root contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sucrose[7][6][8].

The dried root is often used for chewing, it is excellent for teething children and also as a tooth cleaner[3][4]. A tea made from the roots is an excellent thirst quencher[9]. The powdered root is also used as a sweetener in other herb teas[6].

The leaves are used as a tea substitute in Mongolia[6].

Unknown part

Material uses

The plant yields a substance that is used for etching steel sections in photomicrographic work[7].

Extracts from the root are used as a foaming agent in beers and fire extinguishers[8].

A fibre obtained from the roots is used for insulation, wallboard, boxboard etc[10][7]. The fibres can be used after the medicinal and flavouring constituents of the root have been removed[10].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Liquorice his one of the most commonly used herbs in Western herbal medicine and has a very long history of use, both as a medicine and also as a flavouring to disguise the unpleasant flavour of other medications[10]. It is a very sweet, moist, soothing herb that detoxifies and protects the liver[8] and is also powerfully anti-inflammatory, being used in conditions as varied as arthritis and mouth ulcers[11].

The root is alterative, antispasmodic, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, moderately pectoral and tonic[10][1][9][12][13][14]. The root has also been shown to have a hormonal effect similar to the ovarian hormone[3]. Liquorice root is much used in cough medicines and also in the treatment of catarrhal infections of the urinary tract[10]. It is taken internally in the treatment of Addison's disease, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, peptic ulcer, arthritis, allergic complaints and following steroidal therapy[8]. It should be used in moderation and should not be prescribed for pregnant women or people with high blood pressure, kidney disease or taking digoxin-based medication[8]. Prolonged usage raises the blood pressure and causes water retention[3][8]. See also the notes above on toxicity. Externally, the root is used in the treatment of herpes, eczema and shingles[8].

The root is harvested in the autumn when 3 - 4 years old and is dried for later use[10][8].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow spring or autumn in a greenhouse[15]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer when in active growth. Plants are rather slow to grow from seed[8]. Division of the root in spring or autumn. Each division must have at least one growth bud. Autumn divisions can either be replanted immediately or stored in clamps until the spring and then be planted out[15]. It is best to pt up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established before planting them out in the spring or summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a deep well cultivated fertile moisture-retentive soil for good root production[15]. Prefers a sandy soil with abundant moisture and does not flourish in clay[10]. Slightly alkaline conditions produce the best plants[8]. The plant thrives in a maritime climate[3].

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[15]. Liquorice is often cultivated for its edible root which is widely used in medicine and as a flavouring. There are some named varieties[6]. The ssp. glandulifera grows in Russia and produces adventitious roots up to 10 cm thick[16]. Yields of 10 - 12 tonnes per hectare were considered good in the early 20th century, this only being attained in the fourth year of growth[10]. Unless seed is required, the plant is usually prevented from flowering so that it puts more energy into producing good quality roots[8]. The bruised root has a characteristic sweet pungent smell[17]. Plants are slow to settle in and do not produce much growth in their first two years after being moved[10]. The young growth is also very susceptible to damage by slugs and so the plant will require some protection for its first few years[K]. A fairly deep-rooting plant, the roots are up to 120cm long[10]. It can be difficult to eradicate once it is established[8].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Glycyrrhiza glabra. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Genus
Glycyrrhiza
Family
Leguminosae
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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"image:Illustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Illustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  2. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.53.6 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 Harrison. S. Wallis. M. Masefield. G. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press (1975-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.5 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
  8. ? 8.008.018.028.038.048.058.068.078.088.098.108.118.128.138.14 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  10. ? 10.0010.0110.0210.0310.0410.0510.0610.0710.0810.0910.1010.11 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  14. ? 14.014.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.415.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  16. ? Brouk. B. Plants Consumed by Man. Academic Press ISBN 0-12-136450-x (1975-00-00)
  17. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  18. ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)

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"image:Illustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

Facts about "Glycyrrhiza glabra"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyLeguminosae +
Belongs to genusGlycyrrhiza +
Functions asNitrogen fixer +
Has binomial nameGlycyrrhiza glabra +
Has common nameLiquorice +
Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
Has edible partRoot + and Unknown part +
Has edible useUnknown use +, Sweetener + and Tea +
Has environmental toleranceHigh wind +
Has fertility typeInsects +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has hardiness zone8 +
Has imageIllustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useFibre +
Has mature height1.2 +
Has mature width1 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAlterative +, Antiinflammatory +, Antispasmodic +, Demulcent +, Diuretic +, Emollient +, Expectorant +, Laxative +, Pectoral + and Tonic +
Has primary imageIllustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg +
Has search nameglycyrrhiza glabra + and liquorice +
Has shade toleranceLight shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil texture preferenceSandy + and Loamy +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
Has taxonomy nameGlycyrrhiza glabra +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Tolerates windYes +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
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