Nature's gentle comforter for scalps. Sweet, soothing, and surprisingly powerful, licorice root has been calming irritated scalps for over 4,000 years. Its anti-inflammatory compounds create the perfect peaceful environment where healthy hair can flourish.
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Mediterranean & Asia
Glycyrrhizin, Flavonoids, Saponins
Licorice root has sweetened and soothed humanity for over 4,000 years, with evidence of its use found in ancient Egyptian tombs, Chinese medicine scrolls, and Mesopotamian tablets. The name "licorice" comes from the Greek "glykyrrhiza," meaning "sweet root," but beyond its famous flavor, this humble root has been treasured as a powerful healing ally for scalp and hair health across civilizations.
Ancient Egyptian papyri describe licorice-infused oils used by temple priestesses to maintain their lustrous hair during ceremonial rituals. The root's cooling properties were believed to calm the "fire" in scalps that led to hair loss and irritation. Queen Hatshepsut's beauty treatments reportedly included licorice root mixed with honey and almond oil for weekly scalp therapy.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice earned the title "the great harmonizer"—an herb that balanced other herbs while providing its own gentle healing. Chinese court physicians used licorice in hair formulations to soothe scalps irritated by elaborate hairstyling and heavy ornaments, finding that it created the perfect calm foundation for hair growth.
Ayurvedic tradition embraced licorice as "Yashtimadhu," meaning "honey stick," recognizing its ability to cool excess pitta (heat) in the scalp while nourishing hair roots. Ancient Indian texts describe how licorice was combined with coconut oil and rose water to create cooling treatments for those suffering from stress-related hair problems.
Licorice root's gentle yet powerful compounds create the ideal scalp environment for healthy hair growth by addressing inflammation, irritation, and stress-related hair issues.
Licorice root calms scalps through:
Glycyrrhizin and other compounds provide:
Natural adaptogenic qualities help with:
Natural conditioning includes:
In Ayurveda, licorice is considered a "Rasayana" (rejuvenative) herb that not only treats current problems but builds long-term vitality. Its sweet taste and cooling energy make it especially valuable for calming "Pitta" conditions in the scalp—heat, inflammation, and irritation that can impede healthy hair growth.
Licorice root's therapeutic properties support overall wellness:
Traditional practitioners created licorice root decoctions by simmering the dried root for hours to extract its healing essence. In India, fresh licorice juice was mixed with coconut oil and heated gently to create "Yashtimadhu Taila." European herbalists often combined licorice with chamomile and lavender for soothing scalp rinses that calmed irritation while promoting growth.
We source premium licorice root from organic farms in Mediterranean regions where the dry, mineral-rich soil produces roots with maximum glycyrrhizin content. Our gentle extraction methods preserve both the soothing compounds and the natural sweetness that makes licorice root such an effective and pleasant ingredient for scalp care.
Simmer 3 tbsp dried licorice root in 2 cups water for 20 minutes. Strain and cool. Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 5 drops lavender oil. Use as final rinse after shampooing for irritated or sensitive scalps. This traditional preparation calms inflammation while promoting healthy hair growth.