Natural health: The benefits of liquorice root tea

I have recently been given a bag of liquorice root tea by a friend, and I was wondering what benefits it has. Are there any risks to taking liquorice tea? I don’t take any medications and haven’t any problems with my health in general.

Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a valuable herbal remedy, often recommended for adrenal exhaustion (it provides natural cortisone) and muscular fatigue. Its primary characteristics are demulcent (soothing — particularly where inflammation and damage to tissues are present) and expectorant (expels mucous).

Liquorice is a valuable remedy for respiratory ailments, particularly coughs and colds. It works by helping to shift excess mucous, and is also a natural anti-inflammatory. The other well-known action of liquorice is as a gentle laxative. It soothes the intestinal tract and can be useful where ulceration is an issue.