Smooth, golden, and naturally sweet, Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the world’s classic harmonizing botanicals, known for the way its mellow flavor rounds and softens the edges of more assertive herbs. Across culinary and herbal traditions, licorice root has long been used to bring cohesion and gentle sweetness to teas, syrups, and ceremonial blends, lending a sense of warmth and continuity to the cup. Its earthy sweetness carries a nostalgic depth that feels both grounding and quietly uplifting in character.

At Purely, Licorice Root anchors both blends in the Defense Ritual Collection, Celestial Renewal™ (Mint Cacao Lane) and Guardian Spirit™ (Mint Citrus Lane). It weaves together bright citrus, warm spice, and herbal depth, adding a smooth, unifying note that enriches each blend’s expressive profile.

Licorice Root has been treasured for millennia across Chinese, Middle Eastern, Greek, and Ayurvedic traditions, where it appeared in ceremonial drinks, culinary preparations, and symbolic herbal blends. In many ancient texts, it was described as a “harmonizing” root, valued not for specific physical effects, but for its ability to bring softness, unity, and balance to complex mixtures. Licorice became associated with sweetness of character, gentleness, and the virtue of connection, often representing friendship and goodwill in cultural lore.

With its smooth, golden flavor and natural sweetness, licorice has long symbolized the idea that gentleness can be powerful, a root that embodies unity, harmony, and the quiet strength found in softness.