Licorice Fern
Botanical Name: Polypodium vulgare
Common Name: Licorice Fern
Other Names: Tuquyuilnuq (the one that never dies)
Found in: Licorice Ferns typically grow epiphytically on living or fallen tree branches, most reoccurring on the species Acer macrophyllum, and on rock slabs, as a lithophyte, in coastal forest areas. This species of fern can also be commonly found thriving in substrate covered by moss. Polypodium glycyrrhiza grow where conditions are most favorable in terms of nutrients and sunlight, occupying a niche on and oftentimes above costal forest floors.
Physical Characteristics: Small evergreen grows up to 28 inches but is often smaller, Rhizome is reddish-brown and scaly, and leaflets have pointed tips and toothed margins. Root is pinkish in color and has an aftertaste like sweet licorice
Nutritional Value: none listed
Parts of the plant used: leaves
When plant should be gathered: year round
Plant applications: spice, tea, poultice
Reported Benefits: food, arthritis, sore throat, cough, itch relief
Preparation/Processing: Food: Use about a teaspoon of licorice fern. Put the leaves in a saucepan with about 4 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and let the leaves sit in the water for about 20 minutes. Strain and enjoy!
Arthritis: It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help when suffering from conditions such as arthritis.
Sore throat, cough: It is still used as a sweetener in herbal medicines, lozenges/herbal cough candies.
Itch relief: Rub plant spores on an itch and it may help to alleviate the itch.
Licorice Side Effects: Though there are many benefits of licorice, large amounts of licorice should not be consumed. Due to the effects of licorice to imitate the hormone cortisol, some people may experience licorice side effects of slight weight gain and a tendency to retain water
Warning: a key compound in Licorice Root, glycyrrhizic acid, may raise blood pressure levels when used in large quantities on regular basis. Shouldn’t be used with aspirin allergies, anticoagulant drugs, or during pregnancy.