How it works: Ever wondered what’s you really get from drinking a cup of Licorice root tea ? The answer is linked to natural compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids in the Licorice plant. With its unique sweet taste and powerful health properties, Licorice tea is a lot more than a comforting beverage.
What Is Licorice Tea?
Licorice tea is brewed from the root of the Licorice plant ( Glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice plant has its origins in ancient Greece, China, and Egypt. It has been revered for both its medicinal and flavorful properties making it a trusted natural remedy for centuries.
Research Insights: Research is investigating its role in stress relief, blood sugar regulation, diabetes management, and the potential anti-cancer properties of glycyrrhizin. Many studies are preliminary labs or animal models; human trials are needed to confirm effects.
Licorice Tea Benefits
What is Licorice tea good for? Bioactive compounds like glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and saponins in Licorice contribute to the tea’s health benefits. Let’s explore five Licorice tea benefits:
Soothes A Sore Throat and Cough
Licorice tea anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties1 can ease throat irritation and suppress coughing. This makes it a go-to remedy during cold and flu season.
Combats Respiratory Issues
With its expectorant properties, Licorice tea aids in clearing mucus and reducing inflammation in the airways. Potential Licorice tea benefits for those with asthma or bronchitis include less difficulty breathing.
Helps Digestion
By promoting the production of mucus in the stomach lining, Licorice tea helps reduce acidity and supports overall gut health. The tea’s anti-inflammatory properties may be especially helpful for individuals with acid reflux.
Supports Skin Health
Licorice tea benefits for skin include reducing redness, irritation, and blemishes. Again Licorice antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory properties play a major role in Licorice tea benefits skin support.
Relieves Stress
Glycyrrhizin, one of the key compounds responsible for Licorice tea benefits. Glycyrrhizin has proven to help balance cortisol levels. And so, Licorice tea offers a natural way to enhance memory,2 reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Quick Takeaways
Licorice tea, brewed from the Licorice root, offers diverse benefits. A few Licorice tea benefits include: soothing sore throats, aiding digestion, and relieving stress, thanks to its rich bioactive compounds.
Licorice: A Few Fascinating Facts
Here are a few cultural facts about Licorice you may enjoy. Many of these ancient uses have found scientific backing:
Did You Know?
- Name Origin: The name “licorice” comes from the Greek word glykyrrhiza, meaning “sweet root.”
- Natural Sweetener: In ancient Egypt, Licorice root was brewed into a drink for its natural sweetness and energizing effects.
- Chinese Medicine: The Chinese use as a “harmonizing” agent: Research shows licorice can indeed increase the bioavailability of other compounds.
- European Cough Remedy: Licorice was used in medieval Europe to treat coughs. It is still used in modern cough medicines and throat lozenges.
- Egyptian Liver Tonic: In Egyptian medicine Licorice root was used as a tonic for the liver. Studies confirm licorice has hepatoprotective properties.
Since these are mainly culture based facts, you may want to verify them independently.
Licorice Root Uses
How to use Licorice root: Licorice root tea has been used in traditional medicine as well as in modern applications across cultures for various purposes. Here are a few ways Licorice is used:
Traditional Uses
Chinese medicine: The use of licorice in Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back some 5000+ years. Used licorice as a harmonizing agent in herbal formulas, believing it could enhance the effects of other herbs and reduce their harsh side effects.
Egyptian medicine: Besides its famous placement in tombs, Egyptians used it for respiratory ailments and as a drink for warriors, believing it increased endurance and strength. They also used it in a liver tonic called “Mai sus,” which contained other herbs.
Greek/Roman medicine: Hippocrates recommended it for coughs and respiratory issues. Roman armies carried licorice root on campaigns because it could help quench thirst and provide energy.
Modern Applications
Current Uses: Today Licorice is used in similar ways. For example, it is a common ingredient in modern cough medicines and throat lozenges, a natural sweetener in foods and beverages, and in cosmetics and skincare products.
The biggest difference is that modern use is more regulated and targeted. While ancient cultures used whole Licorice root, today we often extract specific compounds for particular uses for maximum benefits.
Current research is focusing on several promising areas. Here are three key areas being investigated:
| Areas of Study | Research Focus |
|---|---|
| Cancer Research | Researchers are investigating glycyrrhizin and other compounds in licorice for their potential anti-cancer properties3. There is a particular focus on their benefits for inhibiting breast and prostate cancer cells. Additionally, studies are ongoing to explore how licorice compounds might enhance traditional chemotherapy treatments. |
| Viral Studies | Current studies are focusing on glycyrrhizic acid’s effect on viral replication and its benefit forrespiratory viral infectio ns.This includes studies on the effects of glycyrrhizic acid’s liver protection against viral hepatitis.4 |
| Neuroscience Applications | 5Research is exploring the neuroprotective properties of compounds in the licorice plant. Studies are investigating its potential cognitive enhancement effects, including treatment for depression and anxiety. |
Licorice Tea Side Effects
Besides Licorice tea benefits, there are some side effects that you want to be aware of. When consumed in large quantities or for extended periods, Licorice tea may cause:
- Elevated Blood Pressure: The glycyrrhizin in Licorice6 can lead to an increase in sodium retention and a drop in potassium levels, potentially raising blood pressure.
- Potassium Imbalances: Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, may cause muscle weakness, irregular heart rhythms, or fatigue. Individuals with pre-existing conditions should exercise caution.
- Headaches and Fatigue: Excessive consumption of Licorice tea may lead to headaches, lethargy, or even water retention due to its impact on electrolyte balance.
- Hormonal Effects: Licorice may influence hormone levels, potentially affecting menstrual cycles or exacerbating hormone-sensitive conditions.
Where to Buy Licorice
You can find Licorice tea in local grocery stores, health food shops, or online. Look for organic options and responsibly sourced Licorice root for the best quality. These are a few available forms of Licorice to make tea:
| Formulation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Licorice Tea Bags | Pre-measured for convenience. | May lack the potency of fresh licorice root. |
| Dried Licorice Root | Stronger flavor and customizable strength. | Requires extra preparation time. |
| Licorice Powder | Easy and versatile. | Powder may settle unevenly. |
Licorice Tea Recipe
Here’s a simple guide to accessing the benefits of Licorice tea:
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried licorice root to a cup of boiling water.
- Let it steep for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy the tea warm
Recommended Consumption
Can you drink licorice tea every day? For optimal benefits, limit consumption to 1-2 cups daily. Don’t drink continuously for more than 4-6 weeks at a time, take a 1-2 week break between periods of regular consumption.
Who Should Not Drink Licorice Tea?
- People who should steer clear of licorice tea include:
Pregnant women. - Those with heart conditions or high blood pressure.
- Individuals on potassium-lowering medications.
As with all alternative medicine, you should have a conversation with your Healthcare Provider before adding them to your diet.
You May Also Like
you may want to explore other herbal teas with similar benefits:
Conclusion
Licorice tea is a natural way to enhance digestion, relieve stress, and support respiratory health. Its rich history in traditional medicine, combined with modern research, highlights its versatility and effectiveness. From easing a sore throat to promoting better skin health, licorice tea benefits offer a holistic approach to wellness.
However, like any herbal remedy, it is essential to consume Licorice tea in moderation. Overuse can lead to unwanted side effects, particularly for individuals with certain medical conditions.
References
- Michaelis, Martin et al. “Glycyrrhizin exerts antioxidative effects in H5N1 influenza A virus-infected cells and inhibits virus replication and pro-inflammatory gene expression.” PloS one vol. 6,5 (2011): e19705. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0019705 ↩︎
- Hasan, Md Kamrul et al. “Phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and potential health benefits of Glycyrrhiza glabra.” Heliyon vol. 7,6 e07240. 7 Jun. 2021, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07240 ↩︎
- Bode, Ann M, and Zigang Dong. “Chemopreventive Effects of Licorice and Its Components.” Current pharmacology reports vol. 1,1 (2015): 60-71. doi:10.1007/s40495-014-0015-5 ↩︎
- van Rossum, T G et al. “Intravenous glycyrrhizin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase I/II trial.” Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology vol. 14,11 (1999): 1093-9. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.02008.x ↩︎
- Cao, Zhi-Yong et al. “Glycyrrhizic acid as an adjunctive treatment for depression through anti-inflammation: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Journal of affective disorders vol. 265 (2020): 247-254. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.048 ↩︎
- Nazari, Somayeh et al. “Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 31,11 (2017): 1635-1650. doi:10.1002/ptr.5893 ↩︎
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