Licorice: From Cultivation to Commercial Applications

What Is Licorice?

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), also known as Jethi Madh, is a perennial herb from the legume family. Its roots and underground stems contain glycyrrhizin, a natural compound responsible for its characteristic sweetness.

How Is Licorice Grown?

Licorice grows best in deep, well-drained soil under suitable temperate and warm conditions. It can be propagated through seeds or rhizome pieces and is generally harvested after 3–5 years.

Which Plant Parts Are Used?

• Roots: Main raw material for licorice powder and extracts.
• Rhizomes: Underground stems containing valuable botanical compounds.
• Leaves, flowers and seeds: Mainly support plant growth and reproduction and have more limited commercial use.

Uses and Applications

• Food and beverages: Used as a flavouring and sweetening ingredient.
• Pharmaceuticals: Included in selected cough formulations and throat lozenges.
• Cosmetics: Licorice extracts are used in skincare formulations.
• Nutraceuticals: Incorporated into selected botanical formulations.

From Root to Value-Added Ingredients

After harvesting, licorice roots and rhizomes are cleaned, dried and processed into root powder or extracts. Quality specifications may include glycyrrhizin content, purity and moisture levels.

Licorice is a versatile botanical connecting traditional plant use with modern ingredient manufacturing.