Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, derives its name from the Greek "glyks," meaning sweet and "rhiza," meaning root. Licorice is a legume plant that grows as high as 5 feet tall in the Middle East and
Europe where it grows wild and is cultivated for medicinal use. The roots of the plant are the sections that contain the active constituents. Licorice tea was first used medicinally by the Greeks and Romans, and the ancient Chinese herbalists, distilling the root and prescribing it for a wide variety of health conditions. Today it is used primarily to treat digestive and inflammation disorders. Be sure to consult a qualified health practitioner prior to consuming herbs medicinally.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Licorice tea has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory in a wide variety of inflammation disorders. The active compound responsible for the herb's anti-inflammatory action is glycyrrhizic according to the "Yoga Journal." Licorice tea soothes mucus membrane and tissue inflammation associated with pharyngitis and cough. Additionally, licorice tea can be useful for alleviating inflammation caused by skin disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, liver inflammation, bronchitis and laryngitis.
Digestive Support
Licorice root tea is often used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, lower acid levels and protect the stomach with a gel coating that heals ulcers and other issues. Licorice tea is commonly used as a mild laxative, a diuretic and a carminative that treats gas and bloating. Additionally, licorice has been shown to soothe kidney and bowel irritations, strengthen the liver, cleanse the colon and provide a mild laxative effect.
Dosage and Preparation Recommendations
To prepare licorice tea, add 1 tsp. of licorice root to boiling water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. The dried root can be stored indefinitely as long as it remains dry. It can be sliced or ground before using, and should be stored in an air-tight container, according to the Encyclopedia of Spices. Licorice candy generally does not contain licorice, therefore it has no medicinal impact. It contains anise or other synthetic flavoring instead, according to The Epicentre.
Member Comments