Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb indigenous to Greece, Italy, Spain, Syria, Iraq and southern China. The root penetrates deeply into the ground and is the part of the herb that contains an abundance of valuable properties. The word Licorice comes from the Greek glykys (sweet) and rhiza (root), meaning sweet root. The root yields a substance known as glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid which is 50 times as sweet as sugar cane. The use of Licorice dates back to ancient times. Archaeologists found great quantities of Licorice stored among the fabulous jewelry and art treasures in the 3000-year-old tomb of King Tut. This was done to enable the departed spirit to prepare a sweet drink called mai sus in the next world. It is still a favorite beverage among the Egyptians today. Since 1922, Alvita has been making the finest herb teas money can buy. Pure, natural singles and blends that bring you unsurpassed enjoyment, healthful benefits and complete satisfaction. No less reassuring is our unwavering commitment to the environment. Today, no herb tea company goes as far to protect the earth and its precious resources-this package and its contents being testimony. There is no plastic shrinkwrap on the outside. The box is 100% recycled board that can be recycled again. The finish is soybean-based. Our tea bags are English Pillow Style, with no strings, tags or staples attached. Even the tea bag paper is recyclable. And all our bags are oxygen bleached, not chlorine bleached, to safeguard you and our ground water. Degradable. Recyclable. Reusable. The key word is able . At Alvita, we wholeheartedly believe we are all able to play a key role in preserving the wondrous world we live in. For us, it starts with offering you the most environmentally safe and responsible herb teas possible. Alvita. Natural herb teas that are good for you and the environment.