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Deborah Brandt
Licorice root, or amolillo, grows in patches around the Rio Grande, on banks and fields. Fields that contain licorice and are mowed in the summer stimulate growth. It is identifiable as a member of the pea family. The blossoms are whitish-green and have a clover-like appearance. The blossoms mature into burred pods, about 1/2-inch long. Michael Moore, the herbalist, says it is the only member of the pea family in the West with spiny fruit. It grows to a height of about 2 feet, and is connected by creeping rootstalks.

The root is harvested in the fall. You will have to carefully dig down a couple of feet to collect the whole intact root. The taproots can go down 3 to 4 feet into the sandy soil. After collecting, split the roots and dry them out of the sun. You might be a bit cautious about gathering much in our area because of upstream agricultural and industrial pollution.

Medicinally, licorice root has an outstanding international reputation. It has been used in a similar manner across the world for thousands of years. A tea made from the chopped, dried root is very helpful for inflammation in general. It is a natural anti-inflammatory. It is indicated for dry bronchial coughs because it moistens and soothes mucous membranes. Mullein and horehound, which grow abundantly in southern New Mexico, are good companion herbs in this instance.

Licorice also has some action against the H. Pylori bacteria that contributes to stomach ulcers, as well as anti-viral properties. It not only inhibits bacteria and viruses, but speeds healing to the gastrointestinal mucosa, including esophagitis.

Licorice is used in Chinese medicine as an "adrenal tonic." This means it is specific for the person who is just plain worn out. They barely have the energy to get out of bed in the morning and have pretty much used up their energy from burning the candle at both ends for too long.

Licorice is also good for skin inflammation such as psoriasis. My mom has a type of psoriasis on her foot (sorry Mom). She has used various creams and salves with limited success. The only prescription cream that works was too expensive for her. A concentrated Licorice root poultice applied twice a day to her foot cleared up about 80 percent of it, and at a fraction of the price of the prescription.

The pharmaceutical counterpart to licorice would loosely be prednisone, or corticosteroids. Although licorice root doesn't have the side effects of steroid drugs, they probably should not be used together, because one could potentiate the other. Licorice used in excess for extended periods of time can have its own side-effects such as potassium depletion, water retention and increased blood pressure. The dose where this would become a problem varies with each individual. If you already have high blood pressure and tend to retain fluids, you should use care in taking licorice root internally.

By the way, most licorice candy available for sale does not really contain licorice. Check the label: most "licorice" candy is actually made from anise or other flavors.