Liquorice tea is a very popular herbal tea, and it comes from the liquorice plant believed to originate in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Licorice has a bark-like outer appearance, and looks very much like a twig. It is believed that liquorice root is packed full of many antioxidants and possible cancer-fighting compounds. Some heath food shops sell the root whole, but it is most often used in tea form.

* Can help to ease coughs and sore throats.

* Liquorice root tea when sipped can ease the pain of a sore throat and help with colds and bronchitis by helping to break down and remove mucus from the respiratory tract.

* Liquorice root helps to protect stomach tissue and so reduces symptoms of stomach upsets and ulcers.

* Liquorice root benefits also include its mild estrogenic effect, which helps to ease menstrual cramps and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as breast tenderness, bloating, and irritability.

* Liquorice tea has a diuretic effect, helping to ease water retention and build up of toxins.

* Has a slightly laxative effect, helping to clear the body of waste and assisting the function of the digestive system.

* Stress relief and anti depressant. This makes it a good alternative for those who are unable to take St John’s wort. It is also helpful to those convalescing after surgery.

* Increases interferon and so helps boost the body’s immune system. Also believed to help counteract the effects of HIV.

* Helps to lower cholesterol.

* Increases energy, so reduces the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

* Liquorice tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which can help to lessen liver inflammation caused by such diseases as hepatitis and help maintain the health of the liver.

* The anti-inflammatory properties can help to ease the symptoms of arthritis.

* Can help prevent heart disease by easing the formation of artery-clogging plaque.

* Is anti-allergenic so is helpful for hay fever and conjunctivitis sufferers.

We recommend taking 2-3 cups of Licorice tea early / mid morning.