Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root tea is the tea prepared by brewing the dried roots of the licorice plant. The root is mostly sweet and is eaten as licorice candy as well. Licorice roots are known for their medicinal and healing properties such as soothing bad coughs and colds, reducing fatigue, etc.

The licorice herb, also known scientifically as Glycyrrhiza glabra is a naturally sweet herb that is actually a legume. Native to Southern Europe and regions of Asia, this herb is found growing wild with a long root system. The roots of this herb comprises a compound that is 50 times sweeter than sugar, which is why they are also referred to as sweet root. The root is dried and used to prepare licorice root tea. This licorice herb is known for its healing properties and most commonly consumed in the form of licorice root tea. Read more on licorice benefits.

Licorice Root Tea Benefits Licorice roots have been used both in Eastern as well as Western medicines to deal with scores of different illnesses. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice

herb was used in herbal formulas to blend the other ingredients in the formula properly and to treat ailments like Athletes foot, tuberculosis, etc. The health benefits of licorice root tea is what has made this tea so popular.

Presence of Glycyrrhizin

Licorice roots contain a compound: glycyrrhizin, which is a glycoside containing two enzymes that break down proshoglandin E. This reaction spearheads mucus production in the stomach, thereby providing a protective covering for the stomach lining. It also increases mucus production in the respiratory tract, thereby making the mucus less sticky and easy to expel.

Fights Fatigue Glycyrrhizin in the licorice root tea helps prevent breakdown of cortisol in the body, thereby increasing the level of cortisol. This elevated levels of cortisol fights fatigue, exhaustion and stress. In fact the Roman legions are known to have depended on this herb for enduring arduous campaigns. Read more about other herbal remedies

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Cures Coughs

Several cough syrups contain licorice root extract in them. People with bad cough and cold often sip licorice root tea to treat their ailments. The tea is also known to benefit asthma patients.

Peptic Ulcers Some studies reveal that antacids with Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) helped treat stomach ulcers. However, the authenticity of the fact is still not known because antacids have several other ingredients as well, thus, it’s quite difficult to zero in on the actual benefits attained from DGL alone. The connection between licorice root and peptic ulcers is quite dicey because another study reveals that when patients with peptic ulcers were treated with DGL, there were no effects. Read more on health benefits of licorice

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How to Make Licorice Root Tea

To prepare licorice root tea one can either use powdered licorice root or the dried roots. To prepare the tea, just steep one teaspoon of licorice root to one cup boiling water for 3-5 minutes. The tea prepared should be had once or twice a day to tap its medicinal benefits. If you wish to prepare the licorice root mint tea to enjoy the wonderful combination of peppermint and licorice, you need to begin by boiling a cup of water in a large saucepan. Add a small piece of cinnamon stick and stir in a teaspoon of licorice powder. Allow to boil for 10 minutes. Add two teaspoons of peppermint leaves into the tea and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain and add some honey into it to sweeten the tea and serve!

Licorice Root Tea Side Effects As it is with any herb, excess intake of licorice can conduce to licorice toxicity. Having large doses of licorice tea over extended periods of time can cause a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, wherein, the person becomes overtly sensitive to a hormone in the adrenal cortex and results in headaches, high blood pressure, fatigue, etc. Muscle pain, numbness in the hands and legs, etc. are also some other side effects that are associated with this licorice tea. Read more on side effects of licorice

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Read more on:

• Herbal Tea
• Ginger Root

Besides being consumed in the form of licorice root tea, dried licorice root is also eaten as candy. Although the dried licorice sticks may appear really woody and dry, these roots are actually quite soft to chew on. The thinner licorice sticks may be salty, while the thicker ones will be sweet. However, before pouncing on any herb make sure you consult your health care provider first, who will guide you regarding the safety measures and appropriate dosage.