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What is Licorice Tea?

Synthia L. Rose
Synthia L. Rose

Licorice tea is a gourmet, herbal tea make from the root of the perennial licorice plant. Sold in loose leaf form or in tea bags, this tea is considered an occasional dessert drink and health tonic. Glycrrhic acid and glycrrhizin, two sugars found in licorice roots, make this tea extremely sweet. Herbalists claim licorice root is 50 times as sweet as sugar cane. The sugar content is one of several detrimental features of licorice tea that prevent it from being a long-term, regularly consumed drink for most users; however, as an infrequent treat, this herbal tea does convey health benefits.

Dried, chipped-off pieces of the licorice plant create the basis for licorice tea. To balance and complement the naturally sweet taste, this tea is frequently merged with spices such as mint, cinnamon, or vanilla. Sometimes, orange and sarsaparilla are added to the tea mix. One teaspoon (5 ml) of dried tea is generally steeped in steaming hot water for roughly seven minutes, depending on the strength level and flavor desired.

Sarsaparilla is sometimes included in licorice tea.
Sarsaparilla is sometimes included in licorice tea.

Leftover steeped tea is often used for children’s desserts. Some families make licorice tea popsicles by pouring the tea in an empty ice tray with chopped fruits, such as strawberries. Once wrapped in cellophane, wooden or plastic sticks can be inserted to create the frozen snacks. Other recipes suggest using leftover tea in homemade fruit cups instead of syrup. Despite its sugar content, the tea is low in calories or kilojoules.

If a person is worried about the side effects of licorice tea, they can  monitor their blood pressure.
If a person is worried about the side effects of licorice tea, they can monitor their blood pressure.

Licorice tea, which is loaded with B vitamins and cancer-fighting alkaloids, is not just for culinary pleasure. While formal research has not verified generations of folk wisdom and drinker accounts, herbalists strongly claim the licorice root tea can stop diarrhea, end sore throats, and soothe ulcers by coating the stomach lining. Some reports claim that staph infections can be treated with this antibacterial tea. It is a purported laxative; as a diuretic, it is often used by women seeking relief from premenstrual bloat. Those seeking these medical benefits from this tea typically imbibe two to three servings a day for roughly three days.

Licorice tea may be sold in loose leaf form or in tea bags.
Licorice tea may be sold in loose leaf form or in tea bags.

It is possible to take too much licorice tea. In excess, this tea has been known to cause hypertension and high blood sugar. In addition to these serious side effects, the tea can cause the body to lose too much potassium. Nature does include potassium in the nutritional makeup of licorice tea, but that amount may not be enough to balance the loss.

Licorice tea is made from the root of the plant.
Licorice tea is made from the root of the plant.

Most herbalists suggest that drinking the tea a few times a week for no more than four straight months might be permissible for someone in great health. Children generally should not have this tea or related tea snacks for more than two days in a row, according to nutritionists. Those with diabetes, glaucoma, and vertigo are advised by some dieticians to completely avoid this tea. A person drinking licorice tea regularly can monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar if they are worried about side effects.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

Licorice tea is not for everyone. Those who don't like licorice candies, won't like the tea. I love licorice so I love the tea as well, but I prefer the type with spices like cinnamon, ginger, clove and cardamon. I love the spicy sweet taste of this type of licorice tea. I don't only have it hot, sometimes I have it iced as well and it's just as good.

I don't know if this is just in my mind or not, but I feel like licorice tea helps reduce fatigue for me. Has anyone else experienced this?

fify

@fBoyle-- Since licorice tea may increase blood sugar, it can be problematic for diabetics. I suggest trying a half cup of the tea and then checking your blood sugar to see how it is affected. If it causes a considerable rise in blood sugar, then it is definitely not suitable for you. Regular use of licorice tea or excessive consumption is obviously dangerous for diabetics in general. But a half cup or one cup every once in a while may be okay. You might want to check with your doctor about it if you're concerned.

I personally love the sweetness of licorcie tea. Not only is it warming and perfect for winter days, but it's also the best drink to have after meals. It helps with digestion an clears the palate.

fBoyle

I didn't know that licorice tea naturally has sugar in it. So I guess diabetics can't enjoy this tea?

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    • Sarsaparilla is sometimes included in licorice tea.
      By: Brad P.
      Sarsaparilla is sometimes included in licorice tea.
    • If a person is worried about the side effects of licorice tea, they can  monitor their blood pressure.
      By: delux
      If a person is worried about the side effects of licorice tea, they can monitor their blood pressure.
    • Licorice tea may be sold in loose leaf form or in tea bags.
      By: karandaev
      Licorice tea may be sold in loose leaf form or in tea bags.
    • Licorice tea is made from the root of the plant.
      By: Hayati Kayhan
      Licorice tea is made from the root of the plant.
    • Licorice tea is packed with B vitamins as well as alkaloids that can fend off cancer.
      By: strixcode
      Licorice tea is packed with B vitamins as well as alkaloids that can fend off cancer.
    • People who suffer from vertigo or diabetes are advised to steer clear of licorice tea.
      By: elizalebedewa
      People who suffer from vertigo or diabetes are advised to steer clear of licorice tea.