LIQUORICE. Glycyrrhiza glabra. N.O. Leguminosae.
Synonym : Licorice.
Habitat : Cultivated in gardens and fields.
Features : Stem erect, striated, with few branches. Leaves alternate, ovate, veined. Flowers (August) purple, pea-like. Root greyish-brown externally, yellowish and fibrous inside ; transverse section shows radiate structure. Taste sweetish.
Spanish and Russian roots contain large amounts of rhizome, which is decidedly less sweet than the root proper and can be recognised by a central pith. Russian and Persian varieties have a red-brown scaly exterior, and arc slightly bitter and acrid.
Part used : Root.
Action : Demulcent, pectoral, emollient, expectorant.
Well-known remedy for coughs and chest complaints, frequently with linseed. A decoction of 1 ounce of the root to 14 pints of water reduced to 1 and a half pint pint, with a teaspoonful of linseed and lemon juice as desired, may be drunk freely.
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