Licorice, Chinese (Gan Cao)
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Family: Fabaceae
Perennial. Native to Siberia and China. This is the true, sweet
variety which provides the synergising influence for many formulae in Traditional
Chinese Medicine. Demulcent, antitussive and healing
to gastric mucosa. Cultivation: Easy. Scarify. Sow seeds in
spring or summer directly in the garden, or in a warm greenhouse.
Germ. in 6 to 7 days. Plant prefers full sun, dryish soil.
Mulch heavily in cold winter regions. Space plants 3-4 feet apart.
Flowers blue to 5 feet tall. For more information on cultivation,
harvesting and use of Licorice, see Richo’s “Middle Earth...” publication.
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