Licorice root tea has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for over 3,000 years, treasured in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Greek healing practices. Known scientifically as Glycyrrhiza glabra, this remarkable root offers a naturally sweet flavor and impressive health benefits that modern science is only beginning to fully understand.
What Is Licorice Root Tea?
Licorice root tea is made from the dried roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, native to Western Asia and Southern Europe. Unlike the artificially flavored candies that share its name, pure licorice root tea delivers a complex, naturally sweet taste with earthy undertones—a flavor profile that has made it a beloved beverage across cultures for millennia.
The root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar, yet the tea itself has a more nuanced, slightly bitter-sweet character that becomes smoother when steeped properly.
Top 7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Licorice Root Tea
1. Soothes Digestive Discomfort
Licorice root has been extensively studied for its gastroprotective properties. Research published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract significantly reduced symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. The compounds in licorice root help stimulate mucus production in the stomach, creating a protective barrier against stomach acid.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that licorice root extract exhibited anti-ulcer effects, helping to protect the stomach lining from damage caused by NSAIDs and other irritants.
2. Supports Respiratory Health
Traditional medicine has long used licorice root to address respiratory conditions, and modern research supports these applications. Glycyrrhizin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated throat tissues.
Research published in Fitoterapia found that licorice root compounds demonstrated expectorant and anti-asthmatic properties. A 2020 study in Molecules identified specific flavonoids in licorice root that exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects in bronchial epithelial cells, suggesting potential benefits for respiratory wellness.
3. May Reduce Hot Flashes and Menopausal Symptoms
For women experiencing menopause, licorice root tea may offer natural relief. A randomized controlled trial published in Phytomedicine found that licorice root extract significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women after 8 weeks of treatment.
The phytoestrogens in licorice root appear to interact with estrogen receptors, though more research is needed to fully understand this mechanism.
4. Supports Liver Health
Licorice root contains compounds that may protect the liver from damage. A study in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that glycyrrhizin exhibited hepatoprotective effects in patients with chronic hepatitis.
Research published in Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology demonstrated that licorice root extract helped reduce markers of liver damage in animal models, suggesting potential benefits for liver function support.
5. Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Support
The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root are well-documented in scientific literature. A comprehensive review in Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease highlighted that licorice contains multiple anti-inflammatory compounds, including glycyrrhizin and various flavonoids.
These compounds may help modulate the body’s inflammatory response, supporting overall immune function. Research published in Frontiers in Immunology explored how licorice-derived compounds interact with immune cells, suggesting potential applications for immune support.
6. May Support Oral Health
Licorice root has demonstrated antimicrobial properties that may benefit oral health. A study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that licorice root extracts were effective against Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria linked to tooth decay.
Some oral care products now incorporate licorice root extract for its potential to reduce dental plaque and support gum health.
7. May Help Reduce Stress and Fatigue
Adaptogens are substances that help the body resist physical and emotional stress, and licorice root is considered one of the oldest known adaptogens. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used licorice root in formulations designed to boost energy and reduce fatigue.
Research published in Psychiatry Research suggested that compounds in licorice root may influence the adrenal system, potentially helping to manage stress-related fatigue, though more human studies are needed.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup
For optimal benefits, steep 1-2 grams of dried licorice root in hot water (around 200°F/93°C) for 5-10 minutes. Start with shorter steep times if you’re new to the flavor, as the taste can be quite potent.
Pro tip: Licorice root tea pairs well with ginger, peppermint, or a squeeze of lemon. You can also combine it with other herbal teas for added benefits and flavor complexity.
Important Precautions
While licorice root tea offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation:
- Maximum recommended consumption: 1-2 cups per day
- Duration: Limit daily use to 1-2 weeks, then take a break
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid licorice root tea
- High blood pressure: Consult your healthcare provider, as excessive consumption may affect blood pressure
- Medication interactions: May interact with certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and corticosteroids
Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium depletion and sodium retention when consumed in large amounts over extended periods. For this reason, some commercially available licorice teas use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, which removes the glycyrrhizin while retaining many beneficial compounds.
Always consult your healthcare provider before adding licorice root tea to your routine, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Where to Buy
Looking for high-quality licorice root tea to experience these benefits firsthand? We recommend Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Tea available on Amazon—it’s organic, sustainably sourced, and receives consistently positive reviews from thousands of customers.
For a more potent, pure licorice root option, consider Organic Licorice Root Cut & Sifted, which allows you to control the strength of your brew and can also be used for topical applications.
Final Thoughts
Licorice root tea represents a remarkable convergence of ancient wisdom and modern science. While more research is always beneficial, the existing evidence supporting its health benefits is compelling. From digestive support to respiratory wellness, this ancient brew offers a natural approach to supporting overall health.
As with any herbal remedy, moderation is key, and it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure licorice root tea is appropriate for your individual health situation.
FAQs
What are the benefits of drinking licorice root tea?
Licorice root tea offers multiple science-backed benefits including digestive support, respiratory health, reduction of hot flashes, liver protection, anti-inflammatory effects, oral health support, and stress reduction. These benefits are attributed to compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids found in the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant.
Is licorice root tea safe to drink daily?
Licorice root tea should be consumed in moderation. It’s generally recommended to limit intake to 1-2 cups per day for no more than 1-2 weeks at a time, then take a break. Excessive long-term consumption of glycyrrhizin (a compound in licorice root) can lead to potassium depletion and sodium retention. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with high blood pressure should avoid licorice root tea.
Does licorice root tea help with acid reflux?
Research published in Phytotherapy Research found that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract significantly reduced symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Licorice root helps stimulate mucus production in the stomach, creating a protective barrier against stomach acid. However, those with acid reflux should consult their healthcare provider before use.
Can licorice root tea help with sore throat?
Yes, licorice root tea is traditionally used for sore throat relief. The anti-inflammatory properties of glycyrrhizin can help soothe irritated throat tissues. A study in Fitoterapia found that licorice root demonstrated expectorant properties. For sore throat, many people drink it warm (not hot) and may add honey for additional soothing effects.
How much glycyrrhizin is safe in licorice root tea?
Health authorities recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to approximately 100mg per day. A typical cup of licorice root tea (1-2 grams of root steeped for 5-10 minutes) contains roughly 50-150mg of glycyrrhizin depending on the product and steeping time. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) products remove most glycyrrhizin for those who need to avoid it.
Can licorice root tea interact with medications?
Yes, licorice root tea may interact with certain medications including blood pressure medications, diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain heart medications. The glycyrrhizin in licorice root can affect potassium levels and may amplify or interfere with medication effects. Always consult your healthcare provider before consuming licorice root tea if you’re taking any medications.
What does licorice root tea taste like?
Pure licorice root tea has a distinctly sweet, slightly bitter taste with earthy undertones. It’s naturally sweet due to glycyrrhizin (approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar) but has more complexity than candy licorice. The flavor becomes smoother and more nuanced with proper steeping. Many people describe it as having notes of anise or fennel with a lingering sweet finish.