Liquorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 575A — Glycyrrhiza glabra
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IOverview
Overview
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a subshrub or herb that thrives in the arid regions of Libya, where it grows as a perennial reaching up to 1.2 meters in height. Known for its sweet taste and traditional uses, liquorice has both edible and medicinal properties. The root, which is the primary edible part, can be used to make candies and tonics. In traditional medicine, liquorice is recognized for its potential immune support, particularly as an antiviral demulcent for respiratory viruses, though it should only be used in short-term applications. This plant prefers moist soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, thriving in light (sandy) to medium soils. Its distinctive feature lies in the root's remarkable sweetness, which has made it a valued ingredient in various culinary and medicinal preparations.
Quick answers
What is Liquorice?
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a subshrub or herb that thrives in the arid regions of Libya, where it grows as a perennial reaching up to 1.2 meters in height. Known for its sweet taste and traditional uses, liquorice has both edible and medicinal properties.
What is Liquorice used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Liquorice
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: licorice as antiviral demulcent for respiratory viruses. Short-term only.
Glycyrrhizin — antiviral
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Respiratory Relief
immunetincture
Traditional use as an antiviral demulcent for respiratory viruses.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Liquorice thrives in light to moderately moist conditions and prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or loamy with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It is hardy in temperate regions and grows as a perennial subshrub or herb reaching up to 1.2 meters in height. For optimal growth, plant it in full sun to partial shade. Propagate through root cuttings or seeds. The edible parts are the roots, which should be harvested after two to three years of growth.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Liquorice for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple root planting for a rewarding first-time experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Liquorice seeds or root cuttings, potting soil, containers, and a garden fork.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Mix some sand into the soil if it's too heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
For seeds, sow them shallowly in containers. For root cuttings, plant them vertically about 2-3 cm deep.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place the container in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure good drainage. Fertilize sparingly with compost once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest roots after 3-4 years for use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough drainage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: Sweetener, Tea
Other uses:FiberDynamic accumulatorNitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusGreeceItalyRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia11 regions
native (11)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkeyTurkmenistan
Africa1 region
native (1)Libya
Broader regions
native:Kirgizstan, Transcaucasus, Tadzhikistan, East Aegean Is., Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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