Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Sweet root; Gan Cao (Traditional Chinese Medicine); Yashtimadhu (Ayurvedic); Lacris, Reglisse (Welsh)
Native to
Every continent, exluding Antarctica
A majority of the Witchlist's Garden include naturalized species that now live across the globe, for history's sake and to ensure we recognize any appropriation that we may make in our use of a plant, we include it's nativity.
Parts Used
Roots are typically harvested in the fall
Adaptogen: Helps the body adapt to stress and aids in normalizing bodily functions
Antibacterial: Stops or slows the spread of bacteria
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation/swelling
Antispasmodic: Relieves involuntary movements such as ticks and siezures
Note: many antispasmodics have the opposite effect depending on your neurology, consult your doctor.
Antiviral: Stops or slows the spread of a virus
Demulcent: Eases inflammation and irritation from mucous glands
Hepatic: Interacts with the liver
Tonic: Gives a general feeling of wellness and vigor
Divinities & Mythos
Plant Energies
Over the course of millenia, various religions, physical sciences, diviners and star gazers, etc. have come to assign energies. This is perfectly synopsized by JD Walker in A Witch's Guide to Wildcraft:
Plants can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. They are assigned to or governed by one of seven (or nine [by including the Moon and Sun], depending on your outlook) heavenly bodies. People assigned these characteristics based on where a plant grew, what it looked like, and what effect it had on the humans and animals that came in contact with the plant.
Planet(s): Venus
Element(s): Water
Gender: Feminine
Warning: Prolonged Use + Laxative
Extended consumption of licorice root can cause complications including changes to the functioning of the heart, liver, reproductive system, and digestion tract.
If you didn't know, this will make you poop. I swear.
May also deplete potassium.
Licorice Root in Action
The Bat & Raven offers these products that utilize the properties of Licorice.
Magical Properties
Binding
Communication
Fidelity
Letting Go
Love
Lust
Passion
Persuasion
Power
Protection
Talk to your Doctor/Medical Professional before adding any Supplements, herbal teas, Infusions, etc.
Part of the reason that we list medical jargin is because many plants can interfere with or even counteract medications we already take or it can exacerbate ailments we already have.
When talking to your Medical Professional, we suggest asking what "actions" an herb might do to interfere with your health, either positive of negative. For example, if you suffer from heartburn, a Cholagogue which creates more bile may not be advantageous. Too much of a good thing, eh?