Apothecary
Licorice Root.
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Also known as Sweet Root, Liquorice, Gan Cao
Found in the tomb of Tutankhamun and carried in the saddlebags of Alexander's soldiers, licorice is the root of long, slow, intentional power. Chew a piece before any conversation in which you must hold your ground, and the words will come.

Correspondences
Element
Water
Planet
Venus
Zodiac
Taurus
Chakra
Sacral
Parts Used
Root
Harvest
Year-round (dried)
Practice
Magical Properties
Love, lust, fidelity, power, control
Carry licorice root to attract a lover. Chew a piece to give you power in negotiations. Add to love and binding sachets for fidelity.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, expectorant. One of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Venus, Osiris
History
Folklore & History
Licorice root sticks were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Alexander the Great issued it to his soldiers to suppress hunger and thirst on long marches.
Safety
Safety Notes
AVOID IN PREGNANCY. Can cause high blood pressure, water retention, and low potassium. Interact with many medications.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Licorice Root used for in witchcraft?
Licorice Root is traditionally used in workings for love, lust, fidelity, power, control. Carry licorice root to attract a lover.
What element is Licorice Root associated with?
Licorice Root is associated with the Water element and the sign of Taurus, and resonates with the Sacral chakra.
What planet rules Licorice Root?
Licorice Root is ruled by Venus. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Licorice Root safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Licorice Root. AVOID IN PREGNANCY. Can cause high blood pressure, water retention, and low potassium. Interact with many medications. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Licorice Root.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
Related
More Water Herbs
Aloe Vera
Moon
The Plant of Immortality — grown in the homes of Egyptian pharaohs and on the windowsills of modern witches alike. Aloe …
Birch
Venus
The Lady of the Woods — first letter of the Ogham, slender and silver-barked as moonlight itself. Birch is the magic of …
Catnip
Venus
Sacred to Bast and beloved of every cat that creeps softly through a witch's house. Catnip carries a soft, beguiling cha…
Be among the first
Grimoire is now available on Android. Join the waitlist to be notified when iOS launches.