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Over the weekend the papa came down with something bad (how exactly do you tell the difference between a cold and a flu?). There has been a lot of coughing, a slight temperature, a lot of achy fatigue, a lot of chest congestion, and a lot of tea.
On Saturday when he woke up feeling like he’d been hit by a bus I remembered Elana’s post last week about licorice root and her licorice ginger tea recipe. I made a big pot, but he is not a fan of ginger and needed something that went down a little easier.
So I picked up a licorice herbal blend tea from the health food store. He kept asking for more tea and I wondered why until on the last cup I had a taste and found it sweet, spiced, and really delicious.
When he said "This tea is the bomb!" I was quite surprised because: a). I thought he loathed licorice and b). Let’s just say that he does not usually join me in my occasional forays into the world of slang with phrases like "Keepin’ it real" and "Word!".
Nonetheless, we were out of tea and he wanted more. After tasting it, looking up the ingredients on Frontier, and perusing my cabinets I came up with my own version – still sweet, still healing, still spicy, but this time a whole lot cheaper.
Healing Properties & Precautions of Licorice
Licorice is helpful for colds and flus. From Mountain Rose Herbs:
"The most common use of licorice world-wide is to treat coughs and colds. Licorice is especially useful for treating coughs with sticky phlegm, or for treating colds that accompany stomach upset."
It is also helpful in treating glandular and adrenal problems. From Wikipedia.org:
"In herbalism it is used in the Hoxsey anti-cancer formula, and is a considered adaptogen which helps reregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It can also be used for auto-immune conditions including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and animal dander allergies."
There are definite contraindications of licorice root, though. Some say it should not be used every day and definitely should be avoided by those with hypertension. It appears to be quite helpful for acute situations like a cold, but should not be taken in large doses on a regular basis.
Healing (and yummy) Licorice Root Tea
Recipe notes: You can make this tea like any other by simply pouring boiling water over it, but with roots and barks you get the most healing properties from them by truly simmering them a while. As usual I am linking to my favorite source for herbs and teas when I do not grow them or can’t find them locally, Mountain Rose Herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dry licorice root
- 1/2 cup cinnamon chips
- 1/2 cup dried orange peel
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- 1/2 cup chamomile flowers
Directions
- Mix everything well in a bowl and then store in a glass jar, away from light and heat.
- To prepare tea: Combine 3 heaping tablespoons of tea mix and 2.5 cups of cold water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into a large teacup through a strainer and pass it on to the invalid with an empathy-filled smile. Then drink some yourself because it’s delicious (and so he can keep this sick bug to himself this time).
Have you ever tried licorice root as an herbal healer?
Please note that I am not a medical professional and do not claim to treat or prevent disease with anything I share on this site. I am simply sharing with you what works for us.
14 Responses to Delicious, Healing Licorice Root Tea For Colds, Flus, and Adrenal Health
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I ♥ Mountain Rose Herbs! The tea sounds really delicious as I love ginger and licorice. But alas, I cannot have it because of blood pressure issues.
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Thank you for this awesome recipe!
I use licorice tincture for Brienne specifically. She has a herpes virus that causes her to get cold sores now and again. Whenever I see one coming I give her oral licorice tincture (made from glycerin) and also apply it topically. If I remember correctly licorice is anti-viral??
I do believe it helps as her outbreaks are fewer and less severe. I also realize that other factors contribute to herpes outbreaks – stress, sugar etc.
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This sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to try it. I’ve been drinking Angry Chicken’s tea all winter (licorice root, peppermint, and basil), and it’s delicious. I had no idea that licorice root was also such a balm for colds. Thanks for the recipe; I’ll be making some tonight.
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My family is trying to get over colds right now also. I’ve been giving everyone an echinacea, elderberry tea that also has cranberry and licorice root. It’s wonderful, but my kids don’t like it much. I have to bribe them to drink it. But I bet they would drink a sweet licorice tea like your recipe. Thanks
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[...] Shannon’s blog on Licorice Root Tea [...]
Shannon,
I was looking at Mountain Rose Herbs and they have such a large selection of everything. I do not have any bulk herbs at my house, but would like to get some. I just don’t have any idea of what to get. Could you recommend what herbs would be good for a beginner like me? Thanks
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First , don’t know the best place to put it but I’m so excited that I won a copy of “Simple Food for winter” Oh my what a beautiful book, with so many great recipes and information. I’m 52 and you at your age have been given such wisdom. I so agree with your “A new American Dream” . Just flipping through I plan to make the sprouted lentil soup when the soup in my frig is gone. I bought some lentils to sprout, but have just been doing a small amount and eating them raw. I wasn’t sure if that was a good way to use them or not? I’m just learning about sprouting to cook for more nutrition. I sprouted some pinto beans for this weeks chili that I made yesterday. Thank you so much again. I’m praying you have great success selling your book, it will bless those that buy it I’m sure. Thank you again, Erin
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Licorice tea is one of my favorites for the winter–it feels so great on the throat, and I love the flavor. Ginger tea is my other standby, and is especially great for soothing the stomach.
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Yes, we enjoy licorice tea around here. It is one of the things I read about when searching for help with bad breath related to allergies/liver function. I am not a normal licorice fan but seriously enjoy the tea.
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We don’t use licorice as medicine but my husband does drink a mint/licorice tea almost every day. I bought some from Aveda and he loved it but it is ridiculously expensive. I looked at the label and it only contained those two ingredients so I bought them in bulk and mixed it myself. He can’t tell a difference so it all works out! I’m hoping to mix my own versions soon of some other herbal melanges he drinks.
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[...] Shannon’s blog on Licorice Root Tea [...]
[...] Shannon’s blog on Licorice Root Tea [...]
[...] There has been a lot of coughing, a slight temperature, a lot of achy fatigue, a lot of chest congestion, and a lot of tea. Delicious, Healing Licorice Root Tea For Colds, Flus, and Adrenal Health [...]
I live in Edmonton AB. Canada were do I buy Licorice root ? I have high blood presure can I still have licorice tea?
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