Orozuz — Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice Root · Paloduz · Sweet Root · Regaliz
Known across Cuba and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean as Orozuz, this ancient root has sweetened teas, soothed throats, and graced home remedy shelves for generations. A plant with deep roots in both folk medicine and daily life — from abuela's kitchen to the botanica shelf.
"In every Cuban home there was a piece of Orozuz root. For the children's cough, for the throat, for everything sweet and healing."
Plant details
- Height: 3–4 ft
- Flowers: Pale purple to blue
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Key part used: Root & rhizome
- Zones: 7–11
Traditional & medicinal uses
One of the world's oldest medicinal herbs, Orozuz root has been used for thousands of years to soothe sore throats, ease coughs, calm digestive upset, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system. In Cuba and the Caribbean, it was a household staple — chewed as a sweet root, brewed as tea, and used in spiritual and cleansing preparations. Its active compound, glycyrrhizin, is 50 times sweeter than sugar.
For horticultural and educational use. Consult a healthcare provider before using medicinally. Avoid excessive or prolonged internal use.