Most people know licorice for its naturally sweet taste used in drinks and candy but few know it as an herbal tea. Licorice tea is one of the less recognized herbal teas for its taste and health benefits. Made from the root of the medicinal herb licorice, which has traditionally been used to treat a number of different conditions from upset stomach to the common cold, licorice tea is delicious and so healthy.
More specifically, liquorice or licorice, is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a herbaceous perennial plant native to southern Europe, India, and parts of Asia. The root of the plant can be boiled to remove the sweetener glycyrrhizin and can also be used to make licorice tea.
In this post, you will learn everything about licorice tea, its health benefits and how to make it!
Health Benefits of Licorice Root Tea
- Strengthen the immune system: licorice has antibacterial and antiviral effects. It can support and boost your immune system shielding your body against common diseases such as colds and the flu.
- Treats stomach problems: licorice tea can help relieve stomach pain, heart burn and other digestive issues and even treat ulcer.
- Treats cough and soar throat: licorice tea is a great natural remedy to cure cough and sooth a sore throat as its sweet taste creates a viscous coat to cure it.
- Supports a healthy respiratory system: licorice root is anti-inflammatory and will help loosen mucus in the lungs and clear clogged nasal passages.
- Relieve muscle pain: licorice is antispasmodic that could help relieve cramping in the muscles.
- Relieves stress and fatigue: licorice can help regulate the stress hormone cortisole which as a result can give our adrenal glands a break and prevents adrenal fatigue.
- Improves oral health: chemical compounds in licorice root help prevent bacteria that can cause the formation of plaque and acid that could cause cavities and tooth decay. Drinking licorice root tea will help you keep your teeth healthy, give you fresh breath and remove bad odors.
- Improves hair and skin health: licorice root is rich in compounds such as choline, phytoestrogens, potassium, phosphorus, amines, essential oils, protein, vitamin B, and flavonoids which promote a healthy hair and skin.
- Helps with PMS and menopause symptoms: Licorice’s anti-inflammatory properties can help regulate hormones and help with menopause and PMS issues like hot flashes and mood swings. licorice root can also fight and cure yeast infection.
- Aids with weight loss: licorice extract is a natural sweetener, even sweeter than sugar making it a great alternative to it. It can be used even by diabetics. According to some studies, regular consumption of licorice tea can significantly help reduce body fat mass due to the stomach acid controlling properties of licorice.
- Support mental health: licorice contains a compound known as carbenoxolone. This compound inhibits an enzyme that regulates stress hormones in the brain that has been associated with mental decline.
How to Make Licorice Tea
Ingredients
- 2 cups water, filtered
- 1 tbsp licorice root, chopped
- honey (optional)
- cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Bring your water to a boil.
- Add licorice root, lower the temperature and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes (depending on how strong you want your tea).
- Remove from heat and let the tea rest for a few minutes.
- Remove the licorice root and sweeten with some honey.
- You can add some cinnamon for extra flavor and aroma.
Precautions
Generally licorice tea is considered safe if consumed in moderate amounts but it is advised that young children, pregnant and nursing women avoid licorice products as they may increase the risk of miscarriage. Always consult your physician before using any licorice products.