American licorice
Glycyrrhiza lepidota Pursh var. glutinosa (Nutt.) S. Watson
Traditional Food Use
Tender, spring shoots eaten raw
Medicinal Documentation
The root is also used to protect pregnant women from spiritual harm INTRODUCED: This plant is used in a creemony to treat Bell's Palsey and other symptoms of stroke.
Infusion of peeled roots or dried leaves made into a tea taken for diarrhea Additional commentary: According to Cheyenne elders the plant was used for diarrhea and an upset stomach, licorice tea is a remedy; it is made from the roots, peeled and dried, and from the leaves. This medicine is described as having a drying effect. Licorice also has a cooling effect, for which it is used in sweat lodges and Sun Dances.314 The plant’s name refers to its color and burrs, which stick like a wasp’s sting.315
Infusion of roots or leaves taken for upset stomach.
Ceremonial & Cultural Notes
The ceremony must be repeated four
Roots chewed in the Sun Dance ceremony for the cooling effect. Additional commentary: Licorice also has a cooling effect, for which it is used in sweat lodges and Sun Dances.317
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: root, roots, roots_or_leaves, spring_shoots
Distribution: Prairies, pastures, disturbed areas; rich, well-drained sites; plains to foothills; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico