It seems like everyone I know had a sore throat last week. So I made a big pot of my favorite healing brew, Ginger Licorice Tea.
As I often do, I went on twitter, this time to chat about my fave tea for colds and sore throats. While everyone was familiar with ginger, several folks told me they hadn’t ever heard of licorice root. So here we go, I’ll tell you all about licorice root and why it’s absolutely indispensable in my home this time of year.
In the world of herbs, licorice root is primarily known as a demulcent (that is a soothing substance taken internally to protect damaged or inflamed tissue) and an expectorant (a substance that assists in expelling mucus from lungs and throat). Licorice root is commonly used in alternative medicine to treat colds and sore throats. However, licorice does not only act upon the respiratory system. It can also be soothing to the gut and work as an effective liver cleanser and blood detoxifier when combined with other herbs.
- soothes a sore throat
- loosens bronchial congestion
- reduces inflammation
- soothes digestive and gastro-intestinal issues
- helpful with stomach ulcers
Licorice is also used for chronic conditions such as adrenal insufficiency. However, used in large doses, over long term, licorice can exacerbate hypertension, so it is best to see a doctor or herbalist if you are going to use this substance for chronic conditions.
Although my background is in Ayurvedic herbology, I do have some knowledge of Chinese herbs, and licorice is used often in Chinese medicine, considered one of the most important herbs in that system. Licorice is also commonly used in Ayurveda as well, as it is very soothing for the vata dosha (constitution).
Licorice basically helps people that are experiencing ailments of “dryness” in the body become more moist. I tell my children that when you have a cold, taking licorice is like putting a humidifier in your body –that’s how it works. For this reason, licorice is not the best herb of choice for those that tend to retain water in their body –those that we refer to in Ayruveda as having the kapha dosha.
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With licorice and other roots, I was taught that it is best that they boil in water for 2-3 minutes minimum to release all of their healing properties. While licorice tea is available (in tea bags) in many health food stores, to get the full benefit of the licorice root, I would recommend purchasing in bulk
, and simply boiling the root in a pot of water for 2-3 minutes.
I kept a pot of Ginger Licorice Tea steeping on the stove every day last week as we had severe, harsh weather here in Colorado. Every humidifier in my house was on. Some days the temperature didn’t even make it above 5 degrees. Drinking this simple herbal remedy was very moistening for myself and my family given this cold, dry tundra we’re living in this winter.
So, finally, just to be clear, when I’m talking about licorice root, I am not referring to licorice candy. This is a totally different thing made of molasses, flour and other ingredients. Let’s not confuse the pure healing licorice root with licorice candy.
Have you ever used licorice root? If so, what ailments do you use it for? Leave a comment and let us all know!
Alan E. Balkany says
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice has the substance that raises your blood pressure removed. It’s available at health food stores and online.
Elana says
Thanks Alan!
Kim says
Hi! Might I add this experience. I have been taking licorice(DGL form) for acid reflux, and I have seen a remarkable difference. I am grateful to The Lord for Allowing me to find it and be physically feeling better! I use the chewable wafers. I rarely ever take an acid-reducing drug now, and, before, I was taking it pretty much daily. Maybe this will encourage someone who might have the same issue.
Elana says
Kim, I’m so happy to hear this! I love DGL :-)
Barbara says
I took it for one day and had a tremendous change in the way I felt my acid reflux was so bad but now I feel so good after taking this herb
Elana says
Thanks Barbara!
Rania Shah says
Hello,
I am experiencing more mucus in my throat and a nasal drip. I had the flu in March and it may have been from Covid virus, I did recover but was left with nasal polyps and excess mucus in my throat area. I wanted to try this tea but you said that it is not recommended for people who have excessive moisture. So I wanted to know if this tea is not good for me since I am still dealing with the mucus issue.
Thanks
Rania
Elana says
Rania, we use this tea when we have cold or cough and it works very well for us :-)
Linda says
I am a teacher and a vocalist will try the licorice ginger tea to heal my throat. Thank u for sharing. Linda
Elana says
Linda, thanks so much for your sweet comment!
deborah walters says
Yes I’ve had licorice tea. I just like the taste and it relaxes me. I make my own from the herbs and spices in my cupboard. I also ordered what I need on line
Elana says
Thanks Deborah!
Jennifer Houston says
Hi Lana.
I have Lupus and high blood pressure which are being medicated. Today I was diagnosed with diabetes and started on glycacide. I know my adrenals are not working properly. Would liquorice be beeficial in any way?
Elana says
Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story here, I’m glad we’re on this healing path together. I do use licorice tea to support my adrenals :-)
Pauline says
Liquorice is contra indicated where high blood pressure is present.
The association between the use of licorice and hypertension is well established. It is attributed to sodium retention, edema, and hypokalemia. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/liquorice
Elana says
Pauline, yes.
Lori says
Thanks for article. I used it a few years ago for hot flashes. I was at my wits end and read that it helped, and did it ever! So I was conversing with a friend today who had some hot flashes and I told her about my experience. I used the drops- store bought tincture- in water and it worked relatively quickly for me.
Nice to hear its good for adrenals as I could use that as well.
Elana says
Lori, you’re very welcome!
Rebecca says
I love licorice tea! I have always enjoyed licorice tea with a slice of fresh ginger, honey and some elderberry extract, when I am sick. I will check out Mountain Rose Herbs for licorice root in bulk and make it the way you suggest! Thanks!
Erik says
A pungent spice like ginger (with a sweet post digestive effect actually), cayenne (pure pungent), or a mint (peppermint, catmint, etc.) balances licorice root nicely. In ayurveda licorice about 2 g. in warm milk is a great brain tonic and aphrodisiac for most people too!