Wild Licorice

Glycyrrhiza lepidota

Wild licorice is native to much of North America, found along streams, prairies, and open woods. It is a perennial legume that can grow tall with compound leaves. It produces small cream to pale purple flowers in the summer that turn into sticky seedpods late in the season. Wild licorice has deep roots that can tap into groundwater, allowing the plant to survive even in dry years [1].

Wild licorice roots are the most used and valuable part of the plant. Native people used them as both food and medicine [2]. They could be chewed fresh for their sweetness, brewed as a tea, or dried and stored for later. The roots could be used to relieve coughs, sore throats, and other ailments of the respiratory system. Decoctions could also be taken to aid in stomach discomfort, inflammation, and general debility.

The glycyrrhizin in the roots is the same compound found in the imported Eurasian licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) [2][3]. It is responsible for the sweet flavor of the root and some of the plant’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Due to these similarities, wild licorice is sometimes used locally as a substitute in herbal formulas, particularly in blends with stronger herbs. Wild licorice also has a balancing effect and can support the overall recuperative process.

Ecologically, wild licorice is a nitrogen-fixing plant that helps to build soil. The deep taproots strengthen the ground in which it grows, benefit pollinators, and helps to restore prairie and riparian areas [4]. It is both a healer and a restorer of the earth.

[1] U.S. Forest Service. Fire Effects Information System: Glycyrrhiza lepidota. By L.L. Esser. 1994. “American licorice … occurs from Ontario west to British Columbia, south to California, and east to Arkansas … found along streambanks and prairies.” https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/forb/glylep/all.html

[2] Flora of North America. “Glycyrrhiza lepidota.” “Roots of G. lepidota are edible raw or cooked; they contain glycyrrhizin … Native Americans used this species for treatment of chest pains, coughs, diarrhea, earaches, fevers, stomachaches, and toothaches.” https://floranorthamerica.org/Glycyrrhiza_lepidota

[3] Wiley Online Library. “Glycyrrhiza Genus: Enlightening Phytochemical Components for the Future.” “The genus Glycyrrhiza encompasses a rich pool of bioactive molecules including triterpene saponins (e.g., glycyrrhizin) and flavonoids that explain its pharmacological potential.” 2021. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1155/2021/7571132

[4] Putah Creek Council. “Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota).” “The American ‘Wild licorice’ … The roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules which help to enrich the soil.” https://putahcreekcouncil.org/creekside-neighbors/wild-licorice-glycyrrhiza-lepidota/