Liquorisce Root Sticks Folklore, Medicinal, and Magickal Properties by Regi

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

LIQUORICE ROOT STICKS - Organic Glycyrrhiza glabra
History and Folklore   Who is not familiar with the sticky black confectionary known as liquorice' A  popular sweet and flavouring agent, liquorice has been well known and widely  used throughout Britain and northern Europe since Medieval times and has been cultivated in England  since 1560, though it naturally prefers hotter climes. It originates in  southern and south-eastern Europe, but has spread throughout the near and  middle East and even as far east as China, where the local variety serves as one  of the most popular ingredients of Chinese compound medicines. Liquorice is a  medium sized shrub that belongs to the pea family, but it is the rhizomes of  3-4 year old plants that are used for flavouring and medicine. The roots are  shredded and boiled until a thick black syrup results, which upon cooling  solidifies into the familiar black substance. Natural Liquorice is 50 times  sweeter than sugar and as a flavouring agent it is usually mixed with Aniseed.  It is popular in certain baked goods, but most importantly, it lends its  flavour to mask other, less pleasant medicines, while the powder is used to  reduce the stickiness of pills.

Medicinal Uses:   Liquorice has long been values as a soothing agent for the throat and bronchi  and is used by itself or in combination with other herbs, such as fennel and  aniseed. It is mildly laxative and makes a great additive to bitter laxative  teas such as Cascara Sagrada. Recent studies point to a far more powerful and  interesting use of Liquorice though. It has been shown to be strongly  anti-inflammatory and has a marked effect in conditions such as arthritis and  gout. It also appears to have a powerful effect on the glandular system and the  liver. It gently stimulates and balances the adrenal glands, which may be very useful  in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome and conditions such as Addinson's disease.  It is also estrogenic and reduces testosterone. It may be helpful in regulating  certain hormonal imbalances caused by oestrogen deficiency. Liquorice has also  shown a protective and healing effect on the stomach and liver. It is indicated  for stomach ulcers as well as for cases of chronic liver inflammation  (hepatitis) and even cirrhosis. However, due to the possibility of certain  adverse drug interaction it is mandatory to consult a qualified practitioner  before attempting self-treatment. Liquorice sticks are a great aid for giving  up smoking.

CAUTION   Prolonged use of large doses of Liquorice is implicated to raise blood pressure  and can cause a loss of potassium, which may be dangerous. Some drug's (e.g.  those based on digitalis) effects may be accentuated by interaction with  Liquorice. Reducing Liquorice intake usually returns the body to normal  function without any long term ill effects.

Magical Uses:   Magical use of Liquorice is not well documented. Culpeper ascribes the herb to  Mercury. Its effects can be classified as balancing and thus may help the  practitioner to maintain the middle path without being led astray into extreme  forms of practice (over indulgence or asceticism and abstinence). In Germany  the herb was regarded as life-giving and has been used in fertility rites,  especially for women.