Maybe change its always present, but we notice it more in the lives of others and in our own when we have a “larger than comfortable” change.  The familiar place you’re in right now was previously unknown - till you took the leap of faith to get there.

And it was a leap of faith that caused the discovery of this herb – or so one source says…It’s known as Reglissa, Sweet Wood, Gan-cao,  Sweet Root and two different spellings of its commonly used common name it is this months’ offering from the Druids Garden it is Licorice – or Liquorice if you’re being fancy and inclined to spell the British way.  Botanically it is Glycyrrhiza glabra from the Fabaceae family.
Licorice is one of those herbs that has been around forever.  Pharos in Egypt loved it, as did the Roman Legions.  They believed it would increase their stamina and would allow them to keep going for up to 10 days without food or water – however I did read somewhere they has some mares cheese to get them by. But still an impressive effort.  Alexander the Great loved it, but Napoleon loved it more.  He used to chew it for his “tummy troubles” so much his teeth started going black!  It was in 1305, Edward 1 in his infinite wisdom decided to place a tax on licorice imports which helped pay for London bridge!  It has also been used as an additive to tobacco to make its taste more palatable.
Plastic tooth brushes are no good for the environment, but we still need clean teeth?  So why not use some licorice root instead! (moderation Napoleon)  Licorice has been known to kill bacteria that causes cavaties and is good for overall teeth and gum health -  and it tastes pretty good!  Back to the toothbrush.  Make sure you wash the root first, you can chew on the end a bit to loosen the fibers then soak to loosen further and there you go.  A 100% natural bacteria killing tasty toothbrush you can grow in the backyard.  Chinese medicine uses Licorice in many preparations and blends to harmonise the ingredients.  Many traditional medicines use licorice for everything from hormone imbalance to age spots, acne, and it has even been used to boost the immune system and assist the liver in neutralizing toxins, and as an anti-inflammatory. However, too much Licorice root isn’t so good if you have high blood pressure.
Everyone’s first thought goes to Licorice lollies!!  By that same thinking vegie oil is also full of nutritious vegetables – why else would they call it vegetable oil?  I’m sorry to say both the veggie oil and the licorice have very little of what their name suggests in them in they way we expect.  But Licorice has been used for many yummy dishes and drinks.  In Egypt, Licorice water (Mai sus) has been a favourite for thousands of years and was said to be the reason for it being placed in King Tuts tomb – so he could have the sweet taste of Mai sus in the afterlife.  They were onto it, Licorice has this stuff called glycyrrhizin which is 50 times sweeter than sugar – and virtually no calories too!
Its odd the things that stick in your head, my English teacher used to say “Avoid alliteration always!” but when it comes to soil and what this herb likes – no can do! Licorice loves lime, and loathes being loaded with liquids (water).  It also prefers looser soils, so if you have thicker or clay soil - have a crack at some soil improver and add some rich organic matter.  Licorice does grow from seed but it’s temperamental and, like parsley, benefits from keeping seeds in the fridge then soaking in hot water before planting to improve germination and speed of germination!  Best way by far to grow healthy licorice plants is from a root division.  Over time the root system can grow quite large so if you’re in a small garden then large pots might be easier.
This herb is way too big for one article so this is only designed to wet your appetite.
In closing when your kids ask you for lollies you can say YES and give them REAL licorice and just watch their little faces light up when you give them exactly what they asked for!

Ben Sorensen is a multi-awarding radio and TV presenter, and host of the popular radio segments, Ben Sorensen’s REAL Country & Ben Sorensen’s Druid’s Garden, heard all over Australia.  Ben has a passion for herbs, quantum physics, and promoting a better way of life!  For more information on Ben Sorensen visit www.BenSorensen.com   or  www.DruidsGardenOnline.com

This week’s prize is Ben Sorensen’s Mini 5 day herbal detox pack – including Ben Sorensen’s meditation CD Forest of Light, Herbal Foot Patches, Ear Candles, and an easy to follow eating plan!!  You will be feeling great in no time!  Total of 7 packs nationally, prize pack valued at $70ea
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