Licorice Root: Uncovering the Sweet Surprise of Herbal Smoking

Licorice root is the sweetest thing we put in a blend, and the name says so outright.

What it is

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial native to parts of Europe and Asia. The name comes from the Greek glykys, sweet, and rhiza, root. Sweet root. It has been in documented use for more than four thousand years, turning up in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Chinese records, and it's still what gives licorice candy its flavor.

Taste and smoke

Mild and distinctly sweet, closer to anise or fennel than to sugar. The smoke is smooth and aromatic. It is the most recognizable herb in any blend it's part of, and a small amount goes a long way.

What to pair it with

Licorice works in two directions. With mild herbs like chamomile or marshmallow it adds a sweet top note to something that would otherwise be plain. Against stronger flavors like sage or mint it acts as a counterweight.

In our blends

Licorice root is in Dream Worker, with blue lotus, chamomile, mugwort, mullein, sage and spearmint. Also as a loose blend.

Tea Tokes blends are tobacco-free and nicotine-free. 21+.