Licorice root tea has a pleasant, sweet flavor, but it offers more than taste. Licorice toot tea benefits range from digestive health to oral hygiene.
You can find licorice root tea products for easier consumption, but make sure to consume it the right way to avoid health risks.
A. What Is Licorice Root?
Licorice root comes from Glycyrrhiza glabra or the licorice (liquorice) plan, a type of legume from the Middle East, Southern Asia, and Southern Europe.
Records of licorice root came from China in 2300 BC, where Emperor Shennong called licorice root an excellent rejuvenation herb for old men.
Licorice root was also found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, a famous Egyptian pharaoh.
Licorice root was popular in Ancient Greece as herbal medicine. European countries such as Denmark, Italy, and Germany developed licorice root as candies and pastilles for the throat.
They took inspiration from the licorice root’s popular function as cough medicine.
However, the more “traditional” form as tea is still popular, especially among the believers of natural medicine.
Licorice root tea taste is naturally sweet, with a hint of mint and anise. The flavor comes from glycyrrhizin, a natural saponin with 30 times higher sweetness than sugar.
B. Benefits of Licorice Tea
What is licorice root good for? Why should you drink licorice root tea regularly?
Depending on the tea quality, you can get several benefits from consuming this herb, such as:
1. Increasing the Blood Pressure
Licorice root tea has a stimulating effect, ideal for increasing blood pressure.
You can consume this tea if you have low blood pressure (hypotension).
2. Improving Digestive Health
Licorice root tea helps reducing gas, which causes bloating.
It also soothes nausea and reduces the symptoms of heartburn.
3. Keeping the Mouth and Teeth Healthy
Licorice root contains flavonoids and coumarins, active compounds that fight bacteria.
They reduce bacterial activities that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Related: 15 Methods to Whiten Teeth Naturally at Home
4. Soothing the Throat and Reducing Coughing
Licorice root contains antioxidants that support the immune system. It is helpful to reduce coughing, sore throat, cold, and other light ailments.
Licorice root tea coats your throat, reducing the effect of inflammation.
Related: Heal Sore Throat with These 6 Best Tea Types
5. Keeping the Skin and Hair Healthy
The effects of licorice root for skin and hair are related to the antioxidants.
They reduce the effects of free radicals from pollution and stress, which slow down the aging effects.
Antioxidants and minerals also strengthen the hair follicles and reduce the scalp dryness.
6. Reducing the Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
Licorice root is often paired with St. John’s Wort to reduce the anxiety and depression symptoms.
Both ingredients have stimulating and soothing effects.
While they are not the ultimate solutions for depression or anxiety, they help to manage the symptoms so you can have a better daily life.
Related: 5 Most Recommended Teas to Curb Anxiety and Stress
C. Risks of Licorice Root Tea
While licorice root tea is great for health, there are several risks you must consider.
You cannot consume licorice root if you are pregnant (or trying to get pregnant).
This herb contains glucocorticoids, active compounds that can damage the cognitive functions of babies.
Licorice root tea also increases the risk of premature birth.
Licorice root tea can interfere with drugs, such as blood thinners, birth control pills, and adrenal gland medications.
The stimulating effect in licorice root is dangerous for people with hypertension.
The herb can also reduce potassium levels, which causes several side effects such as fatigue, palpitations, and irregular heartbeat.
The best way to avoid licorice root risks is by consulting with the doctor before buying one.
Don’t forget to mention your health condition or any drugs and supplements you may be consuming.
D. Recommended Brands of Licorice Root Tea
You can find licorice root tea products easily, but several brands sell high-quality tea with amazing flavor. Some of them are:
1. Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root
Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root offers delightful natural sweetness.
You don’t need to add sugar or any sweetener after brewing it. The licorice roots come from sustainable farms in Central Asia.
2. Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat Seasonal Tea
This tea is ideal if you have a throat problem.
Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Seasonal Tea contains slippery elm bark and licorice root, which coats the inflamed throat. The flavor is smooth with a subtle sweetness.
3. Yogi Tea Egyptian Licorice Tea
Yogi Tea Egyptian Licorice Tea combines licorice root with cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
The result is a warm, comforting tea, with a natural sweetness that does not stick in your throat. The tea is GMO-free, kosher, and vegan.
4. Buddha Teas Organic Licorice Root Tea
Buddha Teas Organic Licorice Root Tea contains a lot of antioxidants and flavonoids for your health.
Each tea bag also contains a small amount of vitamin B and C and irons.
The tea is kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free.
5. Pukka Peppermint and Licorice Organic Herbal Tea
Pukka combines the freshness of peppermint and licorice root’s natural sweetness to create a soothing beverage.
The tea is great for your digestion and has a relaxing effect.
The tea is certified fair trade, GMO-free, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan.
E. How to Brew Dried Licorice Root
If you have dried licorice root, make sure to brew it properly to get the ultimate flavor and benefits.
Follow these steps to make delicious licorice root tea at home:
- Cut dried licorice root into small pieces (maximum 1 inch)
- Place 1 teaspoon of licorice root into the cup
- Boil 10 ounces of water and pour it into the cup
- Steep the root for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the flavor and strength you want
- Add honey, lemon, stevia, or other flavorings you want
- Enjoy the tea
Limit the licorice root tea consumption to two cups per day. Drinking more than two or three cups will cause side effects.
Read also:
- Lemongrass Tea Benefits and Side Effects
- Lavender Tea Benefits that Give Your Health a Lift
- Most Popular Types of Tea to Try
Licorice root tea offers a wide range of health benefits.
You can keep oral hygiene, reduce anxiety, soothe a sore throat, and improve digestive health, among other things.
Avoid consuming it if you are pregnant, having specific medical conditions, or taking medications.
Get the licorice root tea benefits by drinking the tea one or two cups per day.
