Hello Beth! Welcome to our group. I do not know about buying straight up pure licorice root, but it is a helpful ingredient in 'Breathe Easy' tea by Traditional Medicine. I buy mine at Kroger's, a local grocery store, in the natural food isle. I requested to the manager to carry it, and he did. You can order it online also. Another product that other members swear by is 'Clear Lungs' can order that online from Amazon, etc. Licorice root has been used for thousands of yrs by Chinese doctors and medicine men. When I was at my sickest, it was the tea that helped with the symptoms; especially the tightness in my chest. Let me know if you try it and what you think.