Herb: Porter's Licorice Root


Latin name: Ligusticum porteri


Family: Umbelliferae



Medicinal use of Porter's Licorice Root:

The roots, seed and essential oil (obtained from the roots and the seed) of this plant are a bitter, camphoraceous warming herb that stimulates the circulation, kidneys and uterus. They are also antirheumatic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge and stomachic. They are used internally in the treatment of eruptive fevers, bronchial infections, digestive complaints, toothache, painful menstruation and retained placenta. They have also been used to treat TB. and headaches. An infusion of the roots is used externally to treat body aches. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
90 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Moist fertile ground, almost to the timberline, 2000 - 3500 metres in Texas. Upland meadows and ravines.

Edible parts of Porter's Licorice Root:

The leaves are used as a flavouring, a celery substitute.

Propagation of the herb:

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse or cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer if they have grown large enough. Otherwise, keep them in a cold frame for the first winter and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring.

Cultivation of Porter's Licorice Root:

Moist fertile ground, almost to the timberline, 2000 - 3500 metres in Texas. Upland meadows and ravines.

Known hazards of Ligusticum porteri:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.