This recipe includes only five ingredients and is soooo simple to make. This would be a great thing to take everyday in small pieces for cases of anemia, or if you just find yourself in need of an energy boost. It’s also a great remedy when a cold/flu hits – particularly in the presence of sore throat and/or cough. Most kids are more than happy to eat a small piece of licorice every few hours even when they’re sick. 
One of the most commonly used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Glycyrrhiza glabra literally means “sweet root” in Greek. Licorice contains an abundance of polysaccharides that make it ideal for soothing sore throats related to bronchitis, dry coughs and gastric irritation such as ulcers. Because of it’s moistening, demulcent properties, Ayurvedic medicine considers licorice to be specific for any inflammation involving the mucous membranes.
organic licorice root powder:
- anti-inflamatory
- soothes sore throat
- adaptogen
- antiviral
- antimicrobial
- expectorant
organic star anise, whole:
- antioxidant
- natural flu fighter
- antibacterial
- antifungal
- helps regulate blood sugar
There’s no sugar in this recipe; instead, homemade licorice relies on molasses and the sweetness of the licorice root, which is a whopping 50 times sweeter than processed sugar! You’re welcome to use any kind of molasses you wish, but you will not get the same health benefits from “old fashioned molasses” as you will from unsulphured blackstrap molasses. Not only does blackstrap molasses metabolize more slowly than sugar, making it a better alternative for diabetics, it’s also a far cry from “empty calories.” It’s a veritable powerhouse of nutrition, containing:
- antioxidants
- iron (especially good for women struggling with anemia from menstruation)
- magnesium
- calcium
- potassium
- manganese
- copper
- vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6 (provides a natural energy boost)
This is not going to taste exactly like the commercial licorice but will be similar to the real black licorice you can find out there. Let me know if you make it and how you and your family like it! 
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Homemade Licorice
Ingredients
- 1 c blackstrap molasses
- 1 tsp licorice root powder
- 1 tsp star anise, powdered in spice grinder then sifted through fine sieve to separate from larger pieces
- 1 c flour
- slippery elm powder for rolling licorice
Instructions
- In small to medium saucepan heat molasses over medium heat
- Bring to gentle simmer then remove from heat
- Add licorice root powder and star anise powder
- Stir well to fully incorporate
- Transfer to bowl
- Add 1/2 cup flour and stir thoroughly
- Slowly add flour a couple of tablespoons at a time, stirring well each time
- Once fully incorporated allow to cool (I put mine in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes)
- Lay out parchment paper and sprinkle with slippery elm powder to keep from sticking
- Take about 1/4 cup “dough” and drop onto parchment
- Form into ropes and either cut into smaller pieces or leave whole and cut later
- Allow them to fully dry which will take about 24 hours or more depending on the humidity of your house.
- Store in airtight container
Notes
Precautions: Do not eat more than 4-5 small pieces a day in acute situations. For long-term use limit it to 2-3 small pieces a day. Avoid use of licorice if you have high blood pressure or edema. Licorice root can increase the effect of corticosteroid medication.
