Licorice Root

🍯 Licorice Root – Sweet Harmony for Digestion, Throat & Balance

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been treasured in herbal traditions for thousands of years, from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda. Known for its natural sweetness and soothing properties, licorice root is a gentle yet powerful herb used to support digestion, calm sore throats, and restore balance to the body. Often called a “harmonizer,” it is used in blends to enhance and balance the effects of other herbs.

🍲 Common Uses

• Brewed into teas for sore throat relief and soothing digestion

• Added to herbal blends as a natural sweetener and harmonizer

• Traditionally used to ease coughs, reduce inflammation, and support adrenal health

• Infused in syrups, lozenges, or tinctures for respiratory and immune support

🍵 How to Use (Tea Preparation)

• Serving Size: 1 teaspoon dried licorice root per cup of water

• Water Temperature: 200–212°F (boiling water)

• Steep Time: 10–15 minutes (cover while steeping to preserve volatile oils)

• Flavor Profile: Naturally sweet, earthy, with warm caramel-like undertones—pairs well with spicy or bitter herbs.

🌱 Benefits

• Soothes the Throat: Helps with dryness, irritation, and hoarseness

• Digestive Comfort: Reduces bloating and supports gut lining health

• Respiratory Support: Traditionally used to calm coughs and ease lung irritation

• Adrenal Support: May help the body cope with stress and fatigue

• Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that calm internal inflammation

⚠️ Risks & Precautions

• Blood Pressure Caution: Excessive or long-term use may raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels due to glycyrrhizin content.

• Not for Everyone:

• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless under professional guidance

• People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart conditions should not use licorice root internally

• May interact with medications (especially diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood pressure meds)

• Safer Option: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is available for those needing throat or digestive support without the risks.

🌍 Who Should Consider Taking It?

• Individuals seeking natural relief from throat irritation or coughs

• Those needing digestive comfort after meals

• Herbal tea lovers who want a naturally sweet base herb

• People experiencing stress or fatigue who may benefit from adrenal support

🚫 Who Shouldn’t?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals without medical approval

• Anyone with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or kidney/liver disease

• People taking medications that interact with potassium levels or blood pressure

🌿 Holistic Tips & Herbal Pairings

Licorice root blends beautifully with:

• Mullein: For lung and respiratory soothing

• Ginger: For warming circulation and digestion

• Peppermint: To refresh and open airways

• Chamomile: To calm the mind and stomach

• Star Anise: For sweet digestive and immune support

✨ Suggested Ritual: Brew a licorice root and mullein tea in the evening when your throat feels dry or irritated. Take slow sips, letting the sweetness coat your throat, while practicing deep, restorative breaths.