Liquorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae)

Description: Perennial herb with a long fibrous
yellow taproot. Stems grow up to 5 ft bearing small
green pinnate leaves in pairs along stems. In
midsummer, blue pea-type flowers appear, followed by
brown seedpods.

Uses: Use roots from 3-4 year old plants dug up in
spring or autumn then peeled and dried. Used as a
laxative and for treating ulcers, bladder and kidney
complaints. Infusion given for sore throat and to
reduce fever. CAUTION: Prolonged use can cause
adverse effects; raised blood pressure, low potassium
levels and sodium retention.

Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.

Decoction: used to prepare barks, roots and berries 4 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 2 ounces fresh herb; finely chop herbs in a pan and cover with the water (which should be cold). Bring this mixture to a boil, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then strain the liquid off and press as much of the remaining liquid out of the herbs as possible. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 2 weeks.

Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1½ cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Medicinal uses: laxative, stomach problems, ulcers, bladder and kidney complaints

Used in spells relating to: Aphrodisiac. To keep a lover (or cause his death). Protection.