• Bee herb
• Good for pot growing
• Edible root
• Unusual to grow

Native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia, liquorice has been used for many hundreds of years. It contains a substance called glycyrrhizin which is fifty times sweeter than sugar. It is commonly used in confectionary and the roots need to be two to three years old before they can be harvested. It is famously used in Pontefract cakes, introduced into the area by Dominican Black Friars. It is used as a medicinal herb for treating coughs, colds and bronchial conditions. An interesting herb to grow, it dislikes heavy wet soils and in these circumstances is best grown in a pot.

Plant Care

• Height: 60-100cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Flower colour: Purple
• Flowering period: June – August

Liquorice loves a sunny site and a deep well drained sandy soil that warms up quickly in spring. It takes between 3-5 years for the plant to become established and produce thick fleshy roots several metres long, that are delicious chewed on raw.

Usage

This well-known and deliciously flavoured herb has been used for well over two thousand years. The root can be prepared as a decoction or syrup and used as an expectorant remedy for coughs, as a soothing digestive for ulcers, as a laxative and anti-inflammatory. It adds sweetness to other preparations, confectionary, beers and some tobaccos.
Excess liquorice can increase blood pressure and change hormone levels over time and should be taken with caution.