Licorice (licorice root) tea has traditionally been used to treat a variety of conditions, from indigestion to the common cold. Licorice root contains a biologically active compound called glycyrrhizin, which can have both positive and undesirable effects on the body. Licorice root tea should not be used for a long period of time because it can cause side effects, nor is it recommended to take it along with medication. Such tea should not be consumed by young children and infants.
One of the wide uses of licorice tea is to soothe indigestion and heartburn. It can also be an effective treatment for peptic ulcers. According to one study at the University of Maryland Medical Center, licorice root extract completely or partially eliminated peptic ulcers in 90 percent of study participants.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, many people prefer the natural treatment of licorice root tea for sore throat relief. Children weighing over 23 kg can drink 13 cups of tea three times a day for sore throats.
Over time, stress can “wear out” the adrenal glands with a constant need to produce adrenaline and cortisol. With licorice tea, the adrenal glands can get the support they need. Licorice extract promotes healthy levels of cortisol in the body by stimulating and balancing the adrenal glands.
An overdose or excessive consumption of licorice root tea can lead to low levels of potassium in the body, leading to muscle weakness. This condition is called “hypokalemia”. In studies done on subjects who drank tea excessively for two weeks, fluid retention and metabolic disturbances were noted. Other side effects include high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid drinking licorice tea.