Polypodiaceae
Licorice Fern
Polypodium glycyrrhiza
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Pacific Northwest North America
Also known as: Licorice Fern, Licorice Root Fern, Sweet Root
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Rhizome
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory catarrh, coughs, sore throat, digestive complaints. Traditional First Nations Pacific Northwest medicine. Rhizome chewed for sore throat and sweet licorice taste.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral (mild), demulcent, immune tonic
Active Constituents
Saponins (glycyrrhizin-like compounds — licorice taste), ecdysteroids, flavonoids, tannins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried rhizome per 250ml, simmer 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Traditional use: chew fresh rhizome for sore throat (pleasant licorice flavour). Tea for respiratory conditions. Gather sustainably from old-growth forest logs. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid large doses in pregnancy. Source sustainably. Generally safe.
Side Effects: Very well tolerated. Rare allergic reactions. Safe at therapeutic doses.