Licorice Root

Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra (common licorice, European licorice); also Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice) and Glycyrrhiza inflata used similarly in some traditions. Folk Names: Licorice, licorice root, sweet root, black sugar, sweet wood, liquorice, glycyrrhiza, Spanish licorice, Russian licorice, gan cao (Chinese), mulethi (Hindi). Parts Used: Dried rhizome/root (most common magically and medicinally); occasionally leaves or whole plant (external use). Forms Used: Dried root pieces or powder for sachets, protective/love charms, teas (external magical use), baths, spell jars, or anointing; root sticks for stirring potions or symbolic binding.

Note on Identity Licorice is a tall, perennial legume in the Fabaceae family with pinnate leaves, purple-blue pea-like flowers, and long, sweet-tasting roots/rhizomes. Its root contains glycyrrhizin, which is 30–50 times sweeter than sugar. In occult traditions, licorice is a Venus/Jupiter herb of love, fidelity, passion, protection, prosperity, domination, and sweetening—renowned for "sweetening" people/situations, binding lovers, attracting affection, and providing gentle yet potent warding. Its sweetness symbolizes harmony and attraction, while its deep roots represent enduring strength. Licorice is generally safe in moderate external and culinary use (root used as tea, candy, or flavoring), but avoid large/prolonged internal use (glycyrrhizin can cause hypertension, potassium loss, or edema).

History and Etymology

The name "licorice" derives from Greek glykys ("sweet") + rhiza ("root"), via Latin liquiritia. "Glycyrrhiza" is the same Greek compound.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks (Hippocrates), and Chinese used licorice root for coughs, ulcers, and as a harmonizing tonic in formulas. It was one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (gan cao) for "harmonizing" other ingredients and soothing the body. In medieval Europe, licorice was chewed for fresh breath, used in love potions, and carried to attract affection or ensure fidelity.

In Hoodoo and conjure, licorice root became a key herb for love-drawing (especially domination or "sweetening" spells), protection, and commanding—often chewed or used in honey jars to "sweeten" someone to your will.

Correspondences

Magical Uses

Licorice is a Venus/Jupiter herb for love, fidelity, sweetening, protection, prosperity, and domination—its intense sweetness "sweetens" people/situations and binds affection or intentions. Traditional and folk-magic applications include:

• Attracting love, passion, or romantic partners (root in love charms)
• Ensuring fidelity and loyalty in relationships (root carried by partners)
• Sweetening situations or people (combined with sugar/honey in jars)
• Gentle protection from negativity or "bitter" influences
• Attracting prosperity, money, and good fortune (root in money jars)
• Domination or compelling magic (ethical use only—root chewed or in commanding spells)
• Healing emotional wounds or "sour" feelings (root in soothing baths)
• Enhancing harmony and emotional balance in relationships or home

Sample Spells and Rituals

All rituals are for external use only. Licorice is safe externally (root used as tea in small amounts); patch-test washes or oils. Avoid large/prolonged internal use (glycyrrhizin can cause hypertension, potassium loss, or edema).

1. Love & Fidelity Sachet

• Fill a pink pouch with dried licorice root pieces, rose petals, and a small rose quartz.
• Tie shut and anoint with rose oil while saying:

“Licorice sweet, love complete, fidelity bind, heart aligned.”

• Carry or place under mattress for lasting devotion.

2. Sweetening & Harmony Jar

• Layer dried licorice root, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and a name/photo paper (ethical intent).
• Seal and shake while affirming:

“Licorice sweet, harmony meet, anger cool, love rule.”

• Keep on altar or in home for sweetening relationships or situations.

3. Protection & Prosperity Charm

• Carry dried licorice root in a green pouch with a coin and cinnamon.
• Anoint with frankincense oil and affirm:

“Licorice root, guard and suit, wealth abide, evil hide.”

4. Emotional Healing & Peace Bath

• Simmer dried licorice root (with chamomile or rose) in water; strain and cool.
• Add to bathwater; soak while visualizing golden light healing:

“Licorice sweet, sorrow defeat, peace descend, calm extend.”

Cautions and Toxicity

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is generally safe in moderate culinary amounts and external use.

• External: Safe as sachets, washes, carried dried, or incense. Rare allergic reactions (Fabaceae family—patch-test if pea/bean allergic).
• Internal: Root used as tea or candy; generally safe in food amounts, but avoid large/prolonged use (glycyrrhizin can cause hypertension, potassium loss, edema, or hormonal effects).
• Not recommended during pregnancy (uterine stimulant risk), breastfeeding, or for those with high blood pressure, kidney issues, or heart conditions.
• Essential oil: Must be heavily diluted (0.5–1%) for skin; avoid undiluted use.
• Safe around children/pets in external applications.
• Sustainable sourcing: Cultivated preferred (wild harvesting concerns).
• Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before internal use.