Licorice root tea is made from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which is cultivated around the world in subtropical climates. Licorice has been used therapeutically since ancient Greek times, and its dried roots can be drunk as a tea for a variety of health-promoting purposes. As with any herbal product, you should consult your healthcare practitioner before self-medicating with licorice tea.
Nutritional Benefits
According to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database," licorice root has antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, laxative and soothing properties. Licorice also appears to stimulate the production of the hormone estrogen and reduce levels of the sex hormone testosterone. In addition, licorice contains a variety of nutrients including calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, silicon and potassium, as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3 and C. It also contains polyphenols, flavones, beta-carotene, thymol and numerous other phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are antioxidant compounds found in plants that prevent free radical damage to your cells and DNA and help to both prevent and treat disease in humans.
Uses
Alternative medical practitioners recommend licorice root tea to support adrenal gland health and enhance energy. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that licorice root may also support upper respiratory tract health and help to treat sore throats, cough and asthma. People also consume licorice root tea to help treat chronic gastritis, heartburn, colic, obesity, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, liver disorders, malaria, tuberculosis, abscesses, food poisoning, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and contact dermatitis. These uses are based primarily on anecdotal reports, however, and not solid scientific evidence.
Immune Booster
Licorice root appears to stimulate the production of T-lymphocyte cells, which manufacture important immune system-supporting antibodies. Phyllis Balch and James Balch, MD state in their book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that licorice root demonstrates antiviral, antibacterial and antiparasitic activity. Drinking the tea regularly may help prevent and treat a variety of infections such as bronchitis, influenza, malaria, tuberculosis, herpes and chronic viral hepatitis.
Considerations
Licorice root tea is sold prepackaged in many health food stores, and organic products are considered superior because conventionally grown herbs can be contaminated with harmful pesticides. You can also make your own tea by boiling 1 to 5 g of dried roots in water, and consuming it three times daily. When consumed in moderation, licorice root tea is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, reports drugs.com, although high blood pressure and lowered potassium levels may result from excessive consumption. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends not consuming licorice root tea or any other licorice product for longer than four to six weeks at a time.
References
- "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database"; Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2011
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, MD; 2003.
- Drugs.com: Licorice
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
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