8 Reasons Why You Need to Drink Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root is an herb. Some people may grow it in their gardens or small indoor pots, but it’s not as commonly grown at home like some of the other herbs are. The easiest way to acquire it is by purchasing licorice root products from a local or online shop.

Licorice root has been used for thousands of years as an herbal remedy for digestive discomfort. It’s been particularly popular in Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Today, it has many benefits for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including leaky gut syndrome.

Best Way to Consume Licorice Root

Licorice root comes in two primary forms that can be consumed. The first is in a tea blend. This can be brewed with hot water, then drunk. There is also licorice tea extract, which can be poured into a glass of water, tea, or fruit juice. Drinking the tea is perhaps the tastiest and easiest way to consume it, as then you don’t have to worry about proper dosages.

It’s recommended that you don’t consume more than six grams a day of licorice root per 130 pound/60 kg person. If you’re drinking the tea, don’t drink it more than three times a day.

You should not continually take licorice root extract if it’s not DGL(Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice). Treat it for your specific health condition for 1 to 3 months straight, then stop taking it. If you are taking the DGL form of licorice root, there are no restrictions.

8 Health Benefits of Using Licorice Root

Licorice root tea tastes delicious, but many people may wish to consume the tea for its health benefits too. Since it’s consumed in a liquid or tea blend, its main advantages will help your digestive and your immune system. Many people don’t know that the stomach is the first step in turning on our immune systems, but certain foods can upset our stomachs, causing unpleasant reactions.

Here are 8 of the best reasons to drink licorice root tea or extract for health now.

1. Soothes Coughs & Sore Throats from Cold & Flu Bugs

The most annoying part of a cold or flu bug is an intensely sore throat. This is usually caused by excess phlegm, which leads to excessively coughing that keeps you up all night long. Licorice root can soothe an irritated sore throat and calm down bad coughs. It works as a natural expectorant, helping to move the phlegm out of lungs and respiratory passages so that you can breathe more easily.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm down a swollen sore throat. Some of the best ways to do this are with a demulcent. A demulcent is a product that makes direct contact with the body part that needs soothing. Licorice root is one of the ingredients listed on natural cough drops and cough syrups and has been used traditionally for this purpose.

2. Gives a Boost to the Immune System

Licorice root will provide a substantial boost to the immune system, whether it’s already working well, or it is compromised due to illness. The immune system is not only responsible for protecting us from cold and flu bugs, but it also protects us from free radicals that can damage healthy cells. It helps to fight off cancer cells that can lead to tumors.

The immune system protects us from harmful diseases that can cause death, such as hepatitis, viruses, and food poisoning — licorice root partners up with the immune system to provide reliable protection. When we consume licorice root, it heads to our stomach, which is where our immune system begins to work. Licorice root contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, also known as harmful substances, in our bodies. This is an additional layer of protection that it can give to the body.

3. Excellent Pain Reliever

Licorice root works well as a pain reliever. It’s suitable for people who are hesitant in taking prescription or OTC pain relievers that also have side effects. People can sip the licorice tea at work, without worrying about experiencing dizziness or a foggy brain.

Licorice root works well as an antispasmodic for muscle injuries. It can also help to alleviate pain and cramps in the stomach and intestines. Its soothing powers can help people who suffer food intolerances but aren’t sure what set them off.

Licorice root extract can be used for topical applications too. It can be used to rub directly into the skin to help decrease the discomfort experienced by eczema or psoriasis. It can help to soothe bruises and scrapes. It acts naturally as hydrocortisone, without the hormonal side effects.

4. Helps to Prevent Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a big concern today. Our bodies are subject to toxins from the polluted cities we live in, from water that isn’t adequately filtered, and unhealthy food that is treated with pesticides and grown unnaturally as GMOs. Many of us are too busy to cook healthy meals, so instead, we buy fake foods full of unnatural additives. This leads to our adrenal glands running into overtime, or worse, failing altogether. Many serious illnesses can occur when our adrenal glands fail.

If you’re suffering cold after cold in the winter, it may be due to adrenal fatigue. Your immune function isn’t strong enough anymore. It’s essential to get back on track, as you don’t want it to fail you when you need it most—to fight off those cancer cells that want to grow tumors. Licorice root can provide the adrenal support that our body needs.

5. Treats PMS, Menopause & Other Hormonal Imbalances

Licorice root is effective at treating hormonal imbalances in women. It has an estrogen-like effect that can replace hormones when they’re decreasing in the body. It can be used to treat PMS symptoms and fertility concerns. It’s also effective at treating menopause. There have been studies done that have shown that it’s more effective than using traditional hormone replacement therapy treatments. It’s also effective at reducing the duration of hot flashes.

Licorice root is also a much safer natural remedy to take than hormone replacements. This minimizes any potential side effects of taking synthetic hormones. Headaches, cramps, and other discomforts will be reduced when taking licorice root during these times.

6. Effective Leaky Gut Syndrome Treatment

The leaky gut syndrome can lead to a variety of health issues. This condition is often challenging to diagnose and can be challenging to treat. It’s believed that in certain people, the intestines will suffer from chronic inflammation that can affect the rest of the body. There may be other conditions that result. These can include chronic fatigue, migraines, lupus, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases.

Licorice root can help treat this inflammatory condition. Since it has a soothing effect on other types of inflammation in the body, it’s also useful for treating the lower gut too. It’s even effective at treating ulcers and helping them to heal. It’s an excellent overall leaky gut supplement to help sufferers feel better.

7. Soothes Heartburn & Gas from Food Intolerances

Many people suffer from heartburn, gas, and other digestive issues from food intolerances. It can be tricky figuring out what types of food make you sensitive. Drinking a cup of licorice root tea can help to soothe heartburn, gas, and other digestive disturbances.

Licorice root tea is also an excellent treatment for indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea. The best type of licorice root to treat these conditions is the type that is DGL, without the glycyrrhizin in it.

8. Decreases Acid Reflux Condition

Many people suffer from excessive acid reflux. This may be due to the excessive production of stomach acid in the stomach, or it may be due to a valve in the throat that’s not closing properly and causing excessive stomach acid to come back up at the wrong times.

Licorice root naturally helps to neutralize stomach acid to help decrease that uncomfortable burning sensation in the throat. It also helps to minimize that unpleasant aftertaste you can get when stomach acid enters the back of your throat.

Precautions When Consuming Licorice Root

Just like with any organic plant, herb, or spice, licorice root can cause allergies and side effects. It can also affect your other medications. Follow a few precautions, and you’ll be able to consume it safely.

• Glycyrrhizin is mainly responsible for any side effects in licorice root. You can purchase the DGL option if this is a concern.
• Do not take licorice root if you’re pregnant, as it may cause premature delivery due to its effect on hormones.
• If you have heart, liver, or kidney conditions, consult with a physician first.
• Don’t give licorice root to children.
• If you have cancer, it can affect your hormones, so you should avoid it. Do not take if you have hypertonia or potassium deficiencies.
• If you experience high blood pressure, low potassium levels, or chronic fatigue after taking licorice root, then discontinue usage.
• Direct all concerns to your physician.

Closing Thoughts

Licorice root comes in two natural forms for taking—extract or tea. Some people prefer the quicker way of taking an extract, while others prefer sipping tea over several hours. There are also other forms, including unsweetened candy and dried roots. You may wish to try a variety of different licorice root products until you find something that works for you.

Taking licorice root will provide maximum benefits to your digestive system, but can also help your adrenal or hormonal problems too. It’ll even help to give a boost of immune support for those times in the winter when everyone around you is sick.