What is Licorice Root Tea, What Are Its Benefits, How Is It Made?
Licorice root, which is a sweet plant, has healed in many forms from history to the present. It is a common plant in Turkey. The taste of its tea is legendary.
Tea obtained from the plant known as “licorice root” or “sweet root” is a natural medicine. The plant is the main component of many products, from confectionery to medicines. It has been used for centuries for its healing properties. If you want a tea that is both sweet and healthy you should consider licorice tea. When you consider not only its taste but also its potential benefits, you may have found the tea you were looking for!
Licorice Root What?
Licorice; It is a perennial, herbaceous and shrubby plant. Its scientific name is “Glycyrrhiza glabra”. It belongs to the legume family. The root of the plant is used for many purposes. Licorice, whose homeland is Russia and China, is widely grown in Turkey.
The length of licorice can grow up to 120 to 150 centimeters. It has bluish-purple, small pea-shaped flowers. Its leaves are 7 to 15 centimeters long; It is dark green in color and oval. It has small pods, 2 to 3 centimeters in size, with seeds. The long branching feature is important for the root system. Roots spread horizontally under the soil. There are cylindrical fibrous wood pieces with brown color on the outer surface and pale yellow on the inside. The region where the most important compounds of the licorice plant are found is its pale yellow body.
The underground stem or root of the plant can grow up to 1 meter under the ground. The roots are in a complex and plump shape, technically called a “rhizome.” It contains very useful features. It is widely used in medicine. It is one of the important and delicious ingredients of the food industry. Extract of the root; It is used in a variety of sweet foods and beverages, such as licorice sherbet, licorice candies, and cola. It can also be a spice that gives a flavorful taste to dishes. It has a pleasant aroma, sweet and harsh taste.
The main ingredient that is the source of the aroma and taste of licorice is the glycoside called “glycyrrhizin”. The source of its odor is complex and variable compounds that correspond to 3 percent of the total volatile substances in its content. The sweetness is different from sugar; It leaves a longer lasting taste in the mouth.
Deep valleys in full sun and well-drained alluvial soils are suitable growing areas. The climates specific to the regions where it grows create ideal living spaces. In these regions, very temperate, hot and sub-tropical climates dominate; deep, fertile and well-drained soils are found. It matures 2 to 3 years after planting and is harvested in autumn.
There are different types of licorice plant. Licorice species of the genus “Glycyrrhiza” are known as “sweet licorice”. Plants of the genus “Sophora” are called “bitter licorice”. “Yellow licorice”, known as “bitter piyan” in local dialects, is a plant of the genus “Thermopsis turcica”.
It can grow spontaneously in many countries of the world. In Turkey; It grows widely on the banks of streams in Anatolia, excluding the Marmara Region, Black Sea coastal region and Thrace. It grows especially in Aegean and Çukurova provinces, Şanlıurfa, Hatay, Muş, Bingöl, Kars, Siirt and Diyarbakır.
What are the Benefits of Licorice Root Tea?
Various products obtained from licorice extract have been used in medicine and food industry since ancient times. Licorice root, which was used as an “antidote” by the Chinese in ancient times, has an important place in the pharmaceutical industry. It is a herbal solution against many ailments such as indigestion and stomach inflammation. It is considered a natural laxative, while it is recommended for the treatment of coughs and ulcers. Licorice root, used as a sugar substitute, is also an ideal and healing option for quenching hunger.
Tea obtained from the root of the plant has nutritional properties. One of today’s popular herbal teas. Licorice root tea; Contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C and E. It also includes; It contains important minerals such as iron, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. Moreover; It has essential oils, resins, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, mucilage. The substance responsible for its taste and delicious aroma is the “glycyrrhizin” in its content.
The most notable benefits are:
Respiratory diseases: Licorice root tea is used to treat upper respiratory ailments. It is preferred because it improves and strengthens the respiratory system. It prevents bronchial obstructions that disturb the lungs and chest. It is an important expectorant that breaks down mucus and phlegm. It is an ideal option in the treatment of sore throat, sore throat, hoarseness and wheezing. It helps the body to break the fever, has an antibiotic effect in the treatment of laryngitis and pharyngitis. Soothes throat and respiratory tract irritations. Relieves cold, flu and flu symptoms. Its antispasmodic effects relieve asthma attacks.
Supports the immune system: Licorice root tea; It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and diuretic effects. It strengthens the immune system, helps fight minor infections and prevent diseases. It can be used to fight viral infections, fungal infections, shingles and similar problems. It also increases interferon levels against viruses.
Effective in digestive disorders: Licorice root tea is an important digestive regulator. It increases the absorption of nutrients. It not only helps the stomach, but also protects the stomach tissue. It can treat digestive disorders such as indigestion, chronic gastritis and heartburn. When taken half an hour before meals, it prevents stomach irritation and acidity. It helps to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers. It cleans the intestines and relieves constipation. By activating bowel movements, it relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Due to its mild laxative effect, it should not be consumed in excess.
Prevents stress and fatigue: It is a good energy drink for many nerve problems. The glycyrrhizin in tea helps increase energy levels. It is effective against drowsiness and fatigue. It reduces stress by increasing cortisol levels in the body. It also relieves the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It relaxes the nervous system, calms the mind and relieves anxiety. Since it acts on the adrenal glands, it increases the resistance to stress.
It reduces menopausal symptoms such as depression, mood swings, hot flashes and headaches in women by relieving adrenal stress. It has the ability to stimulate its production if the estrogen level is low, or reduce it if the levels of this hormone are high. It helps the liver neutralize toxins. It relieves viral liver inflammations and stimulates liver function. Thus, it keeps the hormone level under control. It is also effective against diseases such as hepatitis as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Relieves gynecological diseases: It can be consumed in menstrual problems caused by hormonal imbalance. It promotes menstrual flow, relieves cramps, and soothes PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, and irritability. It is a herbal remedy for problems such as vaginal thrush, endometriosis (chocolate cyst), infertility (infertility), and Candida infection in the gut.
Recommended for sexual problems in men: It is an invigorating drink against infertility and impotence by increasing libido in men. It can also strengthen the health of the reproductive organs.
Helps with skin problems: Licorice root tea can also be used externally. It can be applied to the skin for all types of infections such as dermatitis, eczema, athlete’s foot, psoriasis, emphysema, age spots, skin allergies, boils, pimples, acnes, abscesses, wounds and burns. In addition, it can be used on hair to treat dandruff and baldness.
Also;
It can be applied to the eye in the treatment of inflammation of the outer membrane of the eye (conjunctivitis).
A mouthwash can be made for pharyngitis and sore throat.
It can be combined with cardamom and ginger to create a healthy solution for teeth. It can be a tonic.
Can treat herpes, mouth ulcers and gingivitis.
Diabetic patients can use it as a sweetener.
Can be used for Parkinson’s, epilepsy, syphilis and malaria.
Ear and toothaches It provides relief for many problems such as weight loss and weight loss.
It is an effective drink against extreme thirst.
It is considered an aphrodisiac and beautifying substance.
It is seen as the “elixir of life” due to its invigorating effect.
Important note: Although there is a lot of information about the benefits of licorice root and tea, scientific evidence is needed for most of this information!
What are the Side Effects of Licorice Root Tea?
Licorice root tea is a safe beverage as long as it is not overused. When consumed excessively, it can lower the potassium level in the body. In addition, it can cause risks such as heart rhythm irregularity, vessel failure, high blood pressure and edema formation.
Besides that;
Hypokalemia (low potassium), weight gain and muscle weakness may occur.
It may cause toxic effects due to excessive consumption; that is, cases of licorice poisoning can be seen. electrolyte imbalance, edema, increased blood pressure, weight gain, heart problems and weakness.
In some cases, fatigue, shortness of breath, kidney failure and paralysis may occur. It can cause water retention, swelling in the face and legs, difficulty speaking, muscle cramps, and shortness of breath.
Can cause heart and nerve problems such as heartburn, kidney and liver damage, and irregular heartbeat.
While it may cause erectile dysfunction in men, it may also worsen hormone-sensitive cancers such as prostate and breast cancer.
It may interact with insulin and diabetes medications.
High blood pressure, heart problems, a history of stroke, and thyroid problems It is recommended not to drink licorice root tea.
People who are prone to fluid loss and have kidney and liver disease should consume it carefully.
After consuming licorice tea for a period of 4 to 6 weeks, a break of 1 to 2 weeks should be taken.
How to Prepare Licorice Root Tea?
Licorice root, powder or sticks from herbal remedies or from herbal product stores.
A natural sweetener, licorice root is the main ingredient in many sweet food products and beverages. Therefore, the tea form will also be naturally sweet and delicious.
The following methods can be used for licorice root tea;
Cut the licorice roots into small pieces with a knife.
Licorice root powder can also be used optionally.
Add 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of licorice root to approximately 250 ml of boiled water.
Let it brew for 5 to 10 minutes.
Or;
Add 3 teaspoons of licorice root pieces to 3 glasses of water.
Boil for about 20 minutes.
After boiling, keep it on the stove for another 10 minutes.
Turn off the stove and let it cool. .
Consume lukewarm.
The following tips for licorice tea may be helpful;
Honey or cinnamon sticks can be added to the tea according to preference.
Licorice root tea can be consumed on an empty and full stomach. It is a delicious beverage after lunch and dinner.
It can be drunk 3 times a day, preferably after meals.
The glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhizin in the licorice root make the tea very sweet. So there is no need to add sugar.
If the tea tastes too sweet, it can be mixed with other herbs.This is related to the brewing of the tea.
Dried licorice roots should be stored in an airtight container, away from moisture.
What is Licorice Sherbet and Licorice Sugar?
Licorice sherbet; is obtained as a result of various processes of licorice root. It is a popular beverage consumed in the southeastern provinces of Turkey during the summer months. It is the indispensable drink of Ramadan months especially in Şanlıurfa, Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep.
Licorice sherbet, known as “biyanbalı” in Şanlıurfa, is obtained from the licorice plant that grows on the lands along the Euphrates River coastline. This type of sherbet differs from other types of licorice sherbet due to the differences in its preparation and presentation.
Licorice candy; is a type of candy sweetened with licorice extract or extract. It is produced in various forms such as gummy bears, chew rings and chew tubes in different countries.
It is prepared with a combination of foodstuffs such as sugar, starch, flour, gum arabic and gelatin. Various substances such as flavorings, beeswax, ammonium chloride, molasses or molasses can also be used as additives.
Do You Know These?
The word “licorice root” is derived from the Greek word “glukurrhiza” meaning “sweet root”.
In Turkish, “maya”, “paint”, “biam” and is known by names such as “getting”. These names may vary according to the local dialects.
When licorice root is boiled in water, a kind of honey comes out. This honey is shaped into sticks and used in desserts, cakes, candies and chocolates.
Licorice root used in desserts in Northern Europe is consumed as a condiment in China.
More than 70 percent of licorice products in the world are in America. It is produced by a company named “M&F Worldwide” originating.
US-based cigarette companies used licorice for a period to add flavor and aroma to tobacco. Its use in tobacco was banned in 2009.
It is believed that it can help against jaundice in Ayurverda medicine in China.
Licorice root used to treat respiratory diseases in ancient Greece; Ancient Egyptians, BC. In the 3rd century, it was preferred for cough, asthma and other lung problems.
Ancient Hindus added milk and sugar to licorice tea to increase sexual potency.
