18 Mar Licorice Tea

The winter and spring are seasons with cold and damp weather. Our bodies assimilate these external qualities and it can create congestion, mucus buildup and phlegm. When the lymphatic system gets congested, it can lead to sore throats, runny noses, respiratory infections and the flu. But you can keep things clear with the help of some licorice tea.

Licorice tea is anti-inflammatory and clears mucus. It can soothe a sore throat and is beneficial for fighting symptoms related to the common cold. Drink one to two cups a day when you are experiencing congestion in the lungs or a sore throat.

Licorice is anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and a diuretic. It is a mild laxative, stimulates blood flow in the uterus, relieves viral liver inflammations and stimulates the liver function.

Licorice tea has the qualities of reducing pitta and vata and provides relief for hoarse throats, asthma, wheezing, acid reflux, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, stress, menstrual cramps and PMS, adrenal stress, menopause symptoms, controlling hormone levels and much more.

Here is a simple licorice tea that you can take on occasion for symptomatic relief. It is not recommended to take licorice for long-term use. Consult a certified ayurvedic practitioner to determine the underlying causal factors so you can truly restore balance.

Makes 1 cup
½ teaspoon licorice powder
½-inch slice of peeled ginger root
1 cup boiled water

Combine the licorice powder and ginger root with the boiled water. Steep for 10 minutes.

Caution:
• Some people have allergies to licorice. If you get itchy or develop a rash, DISCONTINUE immediately.
• Excess intake of licorice may have a negative effect on potassium levels in the body. A high salt diet may exacerbate adverse effects of licorice including water retention and hypertension. Licorice should be avoided if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Licorice may increase the effects of corticosteroids, cause sodium and water retention and increase blood pressure, increase the effect of digitalis preparations, alter the effect of estrogens/progesterone, and decrease the effect of anti-hypertensive medications.
• Do not take licorice when using warfarin, or other blood-thinning medications, or diuretics.

The information provided on this site and related videos is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplements, especially if you are pregnant or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

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