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!
Anita says
It is great to make tea with it. No sugar required – it tastes naturally sweet!
LALITHESWARA says
I was fortunate to have the packs containing licoricepowder (called in Ayurveda as YASHTI MADHU) from a Ayurved Doctor friend to treat throat problems experienced by me since nearly 2 months. It worked wonderfully when taken with natural honey for about 3 weeks and improved my appetite also which was badly affected by antibiotics. It is a marvellous herb if properly administered for ailments like soar throat, pain , inflammation etc., however with the proper advice of a good Ayurved Doctor.
Ian Johnson says
I use it for depression, anxiety, and a wonderful sweetener for my morning coffee. It literally saved me from suicide. I just wish it grew naturally where I live in northern Illinois.
Erik says
There is actually an American species of licorice that grows in much of the western US and some northern parts. From what I know it has similar properties as the glabra species except it does not contain as much glycerrizin.
Elana says
Thanks Erik!
Janice Patterson says
I live in the Middle East. Here, the most common way of drinking licorice root is in the form of Erk Soos. About a cup of licorice (looks like dried grass), 1 tsp of baking soda, and a few tablespoons of water are rubbed together until everything is moist. This is put in a cloth (cheesecloth…or any other thin cloth). The cloth is tied together (to keep the contents from falling out) and submerged in a gallon of cold water and left for 8 hours or so. Remove the ‘licorice bag’ and discard. The resulting drink is called Erk Soos.
Karrielinn says
Is it also true that licorice root also removes dark spots on skin? Or is that only black licorice root? Thank you for information.
Tadalista Super Active Reviews says
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Sara says
Hi! I have a daughter with tons of food allergies…wheat, milk, & eggs are the biggest ones. She has a BM once every couple of weeks. We are doing an elimination diet, but wanted to add things to it. I have the right kind of licorice root (450mg/capsule) and I have L-glutamine. What doses of these things should I give for her age and I was going to add in this for the aloe and help with constipation~
http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Living-MineralRich-fluid-ounces/dp/B00068OTE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388615598&sr=8-1&keywords=mineral+rich+with+aloe
We have used it before and it helped greatly. Does that sound ok?
Thanks in advance!
marlene says
Hi…I had a sore, uncomfortable throat for one yr due to silent reflux.
I had several cups of tea with licorice root and slippery elm and I am 98percent better…some days 100percent! Imagine!
I am a believer!
Thanks for the info!
Vanitha says
A friend of mine that is into healing mentioned it to me. So am researching it, looking for some help with my gout symptoms. It is not confirmed yet. But I have pain in all my joints.
Tom Bloodowrth says
I have just been diagnosed with Barrett’s Syndrome and have heard that Licorice may be beneficial for reversing or at least assisting in halting its progression.
I would really love a response regarding this. Since my MD says you have it and that’s it, we’ll treat your symptoms/cause and hope to prevent it progression. He even said no diet change is needed!! Considering I’m about 60 pounds overweight I don’t think I can trust his judgment.
Thanks for your efforts.
TWB
Claire says
A friend of mine in his mid 80’s was diagnosed with Barrett’s disease. After researching, he started taking 2 ginger capsules 1/2 hour before lunch and 1/2 hour before dinner. In the afternoon, he would use DGL (licorice root), one in the afternoon and one after dinner. After one year of this, he had another test taken and the doctor said, there was no more sign of the Barrett’s disease and he said what ever you are doing, keep it up. He lived 6 years without this problem before passing at the age of 91. That also took care of his acid reflux and he could eat anything but best not to eat after dinner.