Licorice Tea

Tea has been a favorite hot drink for centuries. It is usually made by tea leaves and boiling water. There are thousand kinds of tea. Each one has got its special aroma, color and flavor. It has different names in countries like tea, cha, chai and so on. The root of these words mainly comes back to Chinese culture. The history of tea drinking also goes back to ancient China. It was drunk for enjoyment as well as medical purposes. In western culture, it was first known through the Portuguese. In 17^th century, drinking tea became popular in Britain. Tea plant is called Camellia sinensis. Some evidence shows that tea has been known since 2700 B.C. Now it is a daily drink. Tea is cultivated in different countries like Iran, India, China and many others. In Iran, the province of Gilan is the center of tea cultivation. Lihijan, Fuman and Rudsar are the cities in which tea is cultivated. It prevents heart attack and lowers blood pressure; it contains caffein, so it is helpful in raising consciousness. As it was mentioned earlier, there are many kinds of tea. Various herbs can be used to make a cup of tea; each one has got its special properties. Licorice tea is among these herbal drinks.

Licorice root is about 50 times sweeter than sugar. It is also used for flavoring. Licorice root cab be added to herbal drinks for its flavor.

For making licorice tea, its root can be directly used; so that pour boiling water on one licorice root and wait about 5 minutes, then take it out and drink your tea. This herbal tea can be made from another type of processed licorice as well. It is DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which contains less glycyrrhizic acid.

 According to Sepidan Osareh Jonoob’s surveys, licorice tea has some benefits for our body. It is considered as an herbal remedy for treatment of peptic ulcers and upset stomach, indigestion, acid reflux, liver problems like fatty liver, Hepatitis C, sore throat, coughs, hot flashes, asthma and respiratory diseases, inflammation in airways and so on. Moreover, it is helpful in curing gum diseases and cavities. It defends our body against infections, so it acts like antibiotic. Licorice functions as antioxidants which inhibits cellular damage. Thus, it is useful in treating cancer and it stops the growth of cancer. Losing weight is another benefit of drinking licorice tea. This herbal drink is healthy for our skin. It inhibits free radicals; they cause aging and emerging of wrinkles on our skin. So, licorice tea neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals. It cures skin disorders like eczema. It has anti-inflammatory effect.

 Licorice has about 300 flavonoids. It is anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Licorice tea contains vitamin C, E and A. licorice tea is a rich source of isoflavonoids, flavonoids and antioxidants.

Licorice is mostly presented in the form of tea bags that simplifies the process of tea making. Licorice leaves are used for making an herbal tea as well.

For making licorice tea, other herbs such as fennel, thyme, mint etc. can be added to experience different tastes. You can mix licorice root with cinnamon, ginger and other ones to add flavor.