All About Licorice Root Tea: Versatile, Healthful, and Old Time Favorite

Is licorice good for you?

Licorice root has always been esteemed for its health values. The licorice plant arrived in North America in the 16th century with John Josselyn who carried it from England to Boston. He listed licorice as one of the “precious herbs” among his cargo and cited its many health benefits in his notes. In North America, the root was used as a tea, a medicine, and a toothbrush of sorts – people chewed it as they went about their day, moving a piece around their mouths to clean their teeth. For thousands of years before then, licorice was used as a remedy in such places as China and is still considered by many to relieve stress, improve the respiratory system, alleviate stomach distress and more.

How can I make licorice tea?

For a strong tea add one-fourth cup of licorice root to a medium pot of boiling water. Simmer for at least 10 minutes then drain out the root. OR: Add a teaspoon or two of licorice tea to a cup of hot water. Let it sit for around 5 minutes or later.

LOOK: Have aches and pains? Why not wrap your licorice tea in a rag and make a compress for the painful area.

Other licorice Ideas

• Use the licorice root as a blend with orange peel, black or green tea, sarsaparilla, mint and other botanicals.
• Use shredded licorice or a piece of root in compote or other desserts, stews, or soups.
• A weird one! OK, not exactly licorice root, but licorice candy. Kids used it in the late 1800s, early 1900s. There’s no formal recipe that I could determine but lots of mention in stories and articles. SO – put a piece of licorice candy, black, of course (red wasn’t invented yet), add honey or lemon or anything else you like. Carry it around when you hang out with your friends. Give the cup or canteen a shake before drinking. Sharing with friends is at your discretion.

Licorice in the Past

• The whole root was used as a tooth cleaner which people chewed throughout the day, or whenever desire summoned. When chewed, the end of the root splays out, a bit like the bristles of a toothbrush.
• Licorice was, and still is, a component of tobacco, including the one-time favorite, pipe tobacco. After the Civil War, the South lobbied for funding to start a licorice agriculture to recoup losses due to the halt of sugar cane production. Why import licorice, they asked, when they could grow and sell it themselves. The request was denied, and licorice never became a viable, American product.
• Licorice was used to treat a range of ailments from stomach distress to respiratory ailments.

Before using licorice tea, check warnings from the FDA about possible side effects and, if you are pregnant, on medication, or have other considerations, consult your doctor. The remedies reflect the historic use of teas but are not a recommendation.