Liquorice Tea Benefits and Side Effects

Liquorice Tea is the infusion of choice for those with a sweet tooth. Some scientists, in fact, suggest that its sweetness is 30 to 50 times stronger than table sugar.

And best of all, this comes without causing damage to teeth. What more could you want from your morning cuppa? Well, as it turns out, this beverage does indeed have a multitude of other noteworthy qualities - including Health Benefits of Liquorice Tea! 

If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to keep reading our article. We will explore all aspects of its botany, history, nutritional value and, of course, the science behind Liquorice Tea benefits.

So, without further ado, let’s dive deep into the world of this remarkable, wholesome and flavoursome Herbal Tea. And afterwards, you can buy from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company!

Liquorice Tea Calories and Nutritional Benefits

The liquorice plant, known botanically as Glycyrrhiza glabra, grows predominantly in Europe and Asia. It can reach heights of up to a metre, producing pinnate leaves 7-15 centimetres in length.

Nestled underground, meanwhile, is the most delicious component: the root. This is the part of the plant used in a variety of culinary dishes, as well as, of course, Herbal Tea.

The name of this beverage, translated from Greek, means “sweet root”, which in itself tells you much. However, taste isn’t the only thing on offer here.

When it comes to Liquorice Tea benefits, in particular, it’s worth noting that it contains several vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants. This includes (but is not limited to) the following:

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Liquorice Tea Nutritional Value
Amorfrutin	Chromium	Glycyrrhizin
Iodine	Manganese	Phosphorus
Vitamin B	Vitamin E	Zinc

It’s essential to recognise, however, that some of the above constituents only exist in trace amounts in Liquorice Tea. Nevertheless, when combined, they can work together in improving life in small yet significant ways. But how - and why?

For starters, its antioxidants neutralise free radicals in the body, the product of natural, though often harmful, human oxidation. This ultimately results in reducing the risk of developing a multitude of chronic conditions, including type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Pretty neat for your new favourite brew, wouldn’t you agree? But it doesn’t stop there.

In terms of its weight-loss potential, this infusion contains no more than two calories per 8-oz serving. Some might find this surprising accounting for its unmistakably sweet taste, but it’s true. As such, opting for Liquorice Tea as an alternative to soft and fizzy drinks is an excellent choice.

Liquorice Tea Benefits

Did you know that knowledge about Liquorice Tea benefits dates back millennia? Indeed, the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and the Hindu Brahmans of India used it for its reported health properties.

In North America, the Cheyenne tribes considered Liquorice a treatment for gastrointestinal complaints. The Dakota and Pawnee people, meanwhile, applied it to their gums to relieve toothaches.

But is there any truth to this according to scientific research? It seems likely - or at least in SOME cases. Please keep reading to find out what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to Liquorice Tea benefits. You might find a few surprises along the way!

Liquorice Tea and Blood Pressure

One of the best known of all Liquorice Tea benefits is its effect on blood pressure. While infusions such as Hibiscus Tea have blood pressure-lowering abilities, Liquorice Tea might actually increase it.

Whether this is, in fact, a good thing is the topic of significant debate. After all, most of the health concerns of blood pressure stem from it being too high.

Naturally, if you have high blood pressure, you should, undoubtedly, avoid drinking Liquorice Tea. If it is too low, however, then this beverage could, potentially, help you to find the right balance.

Either way, it’s vital you consume NO MORE THAN two cups daily. Be sure to talk to a doctor or another health professional if you have any concerns.

Liquorice Tea for Constipation

This Herbal Tea is also a popular choice for digestive ailments. We’ll discuss these in greater depth later in the blog, but right now, let’s look at its potential to alleviate constipation.

There is preliminary evidence to suggest that Liquorice Tea can stimulate bowels after a meal. In other words, it can act as a mild laxative, thus enabling you to, well, go to the loo when you need to! 

Still, it’s important to note the word “preliminary”, meaning there isn’t enough science backing this claim to confirm it outright. Until we know more, then, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company does NOT endorse Liquorice Tea benefits for this purpose.

We do, however, support ongoing research, which so far appears very promising!

Liquorice Tea for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition easily recognised by a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. It occurs when acid in the stomach flows back up into the food pipe (oesophagus).

If this happens to an individual more than twice a week, it might be Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). So how, exactly, can Liquorice Tea benefits help?

There are suggestions, although not proven outright, that it might increase the mucus coating of the oesophagal lining. This could then lead to it having a calming effect on stomach acid.

Nevertheless, this is, for the most, the product of speculation. Once again, we as a company urge caution when using Liquorice Tea for acid reflux until there is more research.

Liquorice Tea Benefits Weight Loss

There are a few ways in which Liquorice Tea benefits weight loss. According to one Italian report, “Liquorice intake of 3.5 grams a day reduced body fat by up to 4%.

One explanation [for this result] is that the strong taste of Liquorice suppresses the appetite.” What’s more, and as mentioned previously, this beverage has no more than two-calories per cuppa.

Then there are its diuretic qualities, which can detoxify the body of toxins by promoting the formation of urine. Despite sounding strange, this results in the removal of excess salts, fats and more. Finally, Liquorice Tea might boost the metabolism of fat cells.

This then enables the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently, which can lead to periods of exercise proving more worthwhile.

However, it’s worth remembering that it won’t do all the work for you. Indeed, there is no “fix-all” solution to fitting into your favourite pair of jeans.

It takes hard work, commitment and perseverance. So,  while Liquorice Tea can help, you shouldn’t give up those morning jogs and salads just yet!

Anti-Viral Properties

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used Liquorice root to combat common colds and the flu for centuries. Best of all, areas of modern science have since supported this with evidence.

We now know that this nutritious infusion contains more than 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids. Among them are chemical compounds with anti-viral properties, which, as the name suggests, can fight viruses.

How effective the anti-viral properties of Liquorice Root Tea are in inhibiting diseases remains uncertain. Still, it can, at the very least, help.

Additionally, research suggests that it is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. These qualities can also support the immune system, thus aiding the body in combating nasty bacteria and infections.

Can It Combat Depression?

A 2011 study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Archive indicates that Liquorice Root reduces stress in mice.

Additionally, a separate research project conducted in the same year noted the anti-anxiety effects of a Liquorice and Valerian Root blend. This could mean that your morning cuppa helps to combat depression - albeit only slightly.

Much of the evidence, however, is animal-based. In other words, it largely remains to be seen whether Liquorice Tea benefits mental health in humans the same way it does in mice.

For this reason, we once again do NOT endorse this beverage for this purpose. If you find yourself struggling with depression, then, it remains paramount you seek professional help.

Liquorice Tea for Diabetics

We already know that Liquorice Tea benefits can combat free radicals in the body, ultimately leading to the reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

But about those who already have the condition? Well, it appears to be good news. Scientists have discovered it contains a chemical compound known as amorfrutin, which prevents the development of a fatty liver - a common side effect of diabetes.

Furthermore, animal-based research indicates that amorfrutin molecules bind to a nuclear receptor called PPARγ, which plays an essential role in fat and glucose metabolism.

This then triggers various genes that reduce the concentration of fatty acids and glucose in the blood. Not only does this reduce glucose levels, but also prevents the development of insulin resistance.

Type-2 diabetes is a severe condition affecting an estimated 6% of the UK population. While the above evidence is promising, it is NOT a solution.

Before drinking Liquorice Tea for diabetes, then, it is vital that you seek medical consultation. First and foremost, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company care about the welfare of our customers.

What About Indigestion?

When it comes to aiding digestion, the most famous beverage of choice is, undoubtedly, Oolong Tea. Some people indeed call it “Chinese Restaurant Tea” because of its ability to combat indigestion.

However, it may soon have competition in Liquorice Tea benefits. The reason for this comes from a 2016 study published in the Brazillian Journal of Infectious Diseases.

The research in question involved 120 patients with dyspepsia (indigestion) either with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

Scientists split these participants into two groups - the first receiving an antibiotic and the second having Liquorice Root in addition to the antibiotic. It concluded that the herb-drug group had fewer instances of indigestion than the sole drug group.

Liquorice Tea for IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the large intestine. Side effects to it include cramping, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation (or both).

Although often controllable, IBS is characterised as a chronic condition, meaning people experience it long-term. Some believe that Liquorice Tea benefits, however, might offer some support.

The emphasis, though, is on “some”. This is because there is little evidence backing such a claim. It is true that herbalists have long recommended Liquorice Root Tea for IBS. But here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we prefer the opinion of scientists.

As such, until we know more, we do NOT recommend drinking this beverage for treating IBS.

Improved Hair and Skin Health

It is possible that Liquorice Tea, when applied topically, can alleviate a dry, irritated or scabbed scalp. While there is, admittedly, little research into its effectiveness, there are many who swear by this treatment.

It might also have the potential to open pores and strengthen weakened hair follicles, which is often the cause of hair loss.

Using this herb as a topical skin treatment, meanwhile, might likewise produce outstanding results. This is because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and itching of the skin.

Additionally, people living with acne often choose this beverage to eliminate redness. So, before you buy that £90 tub of skin cream, consider Liquorice Tea benefits first! 

Liquorice Tea Side Effects

Drinking too much Liquorice Tea can cause high blood pressure. While this can, under certain circumstances, be beneficial, it might also increase the risk of heart disease.

We recommend consuming NO MORE THAN two cups daily to limit the chance of this occurring. What’s more, there is the possibility of it reducing potassium levels in the body, thus leading to hypokalemia (muscle weakness).

Rare cases of it causing headaches, tiredness and menstrual abnormalities have also been reported in the past. As a result, if you have any concerns about this Herbal Tea, be sure to speak to a doctor or another medical professional.

They will, naturally, know the best cause of action - and whether or not you should continue consumption. Listen to their advice - they know best.

Liquorice Root Tea and Pregnancy

When it comes to drinking Herbal Tea while pregnant, the rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution. While some infusions such as Raspberry Leaf Tea might be beneficial for mothers-to-be (AFTER the 32-week mark), others come with side effects.

Liquorice Tea is one such example of a beverage to avoid during pregnancy in part due to its chemical make-up.

Evidence exists in a Finnish study, which noted that a constituent in Liquorice Tea, glycyrrhizin, could cause complications in pregnant women.

The research indicated that overconsumption of the herb while carrying a child could potentially affect IQ, memory, and even increase their risk of ADHD. In girls, in particular, it also increased the likelihood of children going through puberty at a younger age.

Much of the same advice applies to breastfeeding mothers. This is because, according to the US National Institute of Health, it can reduce milk production.

And remember, too, that the sweets of the same name have a similar effect. Put simply, avoid Liquorice in all its shapes and sizes until after the breastfeeding period to ensure the safety of you and your child.

Does Liquorice Tea Contain Caffeine?

Around 60 plants naturally contain caffeine, a stimulating chemical compound capable of boosting energy. This includes Tea (Camellia sinensis), Coffee (Coffea) and Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Liquorice Tea, on the other hand, isn’t a “Tea” in the conventional sense. What it is, then, is a Herbal “Tisane”, although this name is seldom used.

Due to its lack of so-called “real” Tea leaves, this beverage is 100% void of caffeine. As a result, if you’re looking for an extra kick in the morning, you’d be better off choosing another infusion.

If, however, you’re looking to cut down your intake, then it is an excellent choice. That’s one of the reasons why so many caffeine-sensitive individuals flock to Liquorice Tea!

How to Make Liquorice Root Tea

Are you interested in “how to make Liquorice Root Tea?” The good news is that it’s pretty straightforward.

Apart from the Tea itself (of which there are several choices of blends), all you’ll need is an Infuser or Filter.

Otherwise, just follow these steps below, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a truly delicious, nourishing cuppa! 

Conclusion

Liquorice Root Tea benefits the mind, body and soul in countless ways. It can, among other qualities, influence blood pressure, treat constipation, promote weight loss, combat depression and reduce diabetes risks.

Then, of course, there’s the fact that it tastes great! Why not buy one of our Liquorice Tea blends today? We pack almost every product fresh to order, ensuring not only quality but also consistency.