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!
Krystina Poludnikiewicz says
Thought I’d just point out that Licorice can cause heart arrhythmias. It has been known to do so with consumption of tea as little as 5-6 cups/day x 2 days (however, concentration is unknown) and also with the consumption of the candy on a regular basis. here’s an article reference:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23703562
Krystina
M says
It also feeds the adrenals. This is a major benefit that is worth mentioning.
Ralph Russo says
Great site! Love your set up and wonderful content. Thanks!
Daphne says
I had no idea about licorice root as a medicinal herb. I’d tasted licorice tea before and liked it, and for some reason I didn’t understand it felt soothing. It became my go-to tea if I felt punk. I suffer from ulcerative colitis, which has been well managed through medication as prescribed by my doctor. However, I still get occassional “flares” which I need to treat, which generally means additional traditional medication. For some reason, while I was treating a recent flare, I was craving licorice root tea, which I had run out of and I sent my husband to the store for it. I craved it, and with honey. I’m feeling much better, and I can’t say it’s because of the tea, but I am delighted to read that it is a digestive aid! Seems my craving was oddly prescient! I will continue to drink it daily!
cynthia says
I drink yoga brand egyptian licorice tea which in conjunction with reishi mushrooms helps regulate an OVERACTIVE immune system. This overactive system has caused psoriasis in my case. Keep in mind that licorice root can affect your progesterone or estrogen levels so if you are a woman with ovarian cysts licorice root could irritate the condition.
Marianne says
Elana, what an interesting and informative article. Thank you for sharing about Licorice. I’d love to try the ginger-licorice tea. I’ll have to see where I can get some root.
Many, many moons ago I was was very interested in learning about the properties of herbs for good health, and did a paper in college about herbs in medicine.
I’d use catnip for flatulence, real chamomile flowers for calmness, etc. The GNC store near where I lived used to sell real herbs in their natural form, so it was easy to acquire many of them. But they discontinued doing so, which made them harder for me to find at the time. That was back about 1981. I still have my books, though, and you’ve made me want to open them up again.
Have a wonderful day,
Marianne
dominica says
keep these awesome informative posts coming!
jennifer says
I need to brew some of that tea, I’m very dry! We’ve used licorace root powder with our kids for teething. Since it’s anti-inflammatory, helps swelling, numbs the gums and soothes the tummy. We called it “magic powder.” We’d either mix it with cold ice water or even cold liquid baby vit C and rub it on the gums.
Pat says
I like slippery elm tea for sore throats. Really seeems to coat and sooth and of course the warm liquid is always nice on the throat. Have never tried licorice root, sounds great. Will write again once I find it.
ange says
I have indeed used licorice root to make tea; especially for sore throat. I also just enjoying drinking it as my beverage of choice, mostly in the winter. I do not recall ever including ginger in my brew; yet, I like ginger a lot. I expect I will be brewing ginger-licorice real soon.