Herb of the Week: Licorice Root — Sweet Support for Throat and Adrenals

Licorice root appears in more Chinese herbal formulas than any other single herb — not as the star, but as the harmonizer, the one that makes the whole formula gentler and more effective. In Western herbalism it's the great soother: for throats, stomachs, and nervous systems that have been running on empty. It is, however, an herb that demands respect.

What Is Licorice Root?

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a legume native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The root contains glycyrrhizin — the compound responsible for its intense sweetness and most of its medicinal action. (The candy usually contains little or no actual licorice; it's flavored with anise.)

What Licorice Root Is Good For

• Sore throat and cough — a demulcent that coats and soothes irritated tissue; expectorant for chest congestion
• Adrenal support — slows the breakdown of cortisol, extending its effect; traditionally used for burnout, exhaustion, and low energy after prolonged stress
• Digestive healing — protects and heals the stomach lining; DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is a well-studied remedy for ulcers and reflux
• Antiviral — active against a range of viruses, including those behind cold sores and respiratory infections
• Anti-inflammatory — cortisol-like activity that calms inflammation in the gut, lungs, and skin
• Formula harmonizer — improves the taste and reduces the harshness of other herbs

How to Use It — And the Important Caution

Tea: Simmer ½–1 teaspoon of sliced root for 10 minutes. Naturally sweet; pairs beautifully with thyme, sage, or ginger for cold-season blends.

DGL chewable tablets: For reflux and stomach irritation — the glycyrrhizin is removed, so it's safe for longer use.

Tincture: Small amounts in throat and adrenal formulas.

Caution: Whole licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium with prolonged or heavy use. Limit to 4–6 weeks at a time, and avoid it entirely if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart conditions, or during pregnancy. When in doubt, ask us.

A Spiritual Note

There's a reason the harmonizer is sweet. Licorice teaches that the ingredient which brings everything together is rarely the loudest — it's the one that softens the edges so the rest can do their work. Every community has a licorice root. Be grateful for yours.

Licorice root is available at Shop EVOKE Wellness.