As the days have gotten shorter and the scarves have gotten
longer I’ve begun craving licorice tea almost every morning. There is something
about the warming bouquet of spices that just make waking up much, much easier.
I wondered why this need for licorice suddenly occurred. I
had always been given licorice root on days that I’ve had a sore throat or
licorice tea to help stop a cough but I’ve never had cravings for the herb.
So I had to research it, of course!
What I found was that licorice is a surprisingly versatile
herb that is incredibly tasty.
Licorice is great for PMS symptoms, coughs, sore throat,
indigestion, and as a sweetener.
Licorice is fantastic for sore throats and coughs because it
is an expectorant. It helps keep mucus moving out of the body and also helps
reduce inflammation for those who are suffering from bronchitis.
Since it is bitter and sweet, depending on the plant, it is
great for stimulating digestion, encouraging bile production, and helping the
gut maintain good health. This is partly the reason why it is given to children
with bellyaches, that and it’s a tasty way to maintain fluids.
The herb also has some estrogenic qualities. This may help
with PMS issues such as irritability, cramps, and breast tenderness. It has yet
to curb my chocolate cravings, however.
If you have high blood pressure or kidney issues avoid
taking large amounts of licorice as they may exacerbate your condition.
Like many other herbs I’ve learned about, licorice has a
variety of uses. From sweetening your tea to helping soothe a tummy ache licorice
can be a lifesaver in the winter months or during cold and flu seasons. So find
a blanket, a good book, and relax with a cup of licorice tea!
Sources:
Through The Seasons. Maryanne
Schwartz’s article “Licorice Glycyrrhiza Glabra” (p. 49)
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