Licorice Root Soothing Throat Tea

Category: Respiratory

Licorice root is one of the oldest recorded medicines in the world, used in Assyrian, Egyptian, and Chinese traditions for throat and respiratory complaints. Its active compounds coat and soothe inflamed mucosal surfaces while reducing inflammation. Modern RCTs confirm its efficacy for postoperative sore throat. The key safety point is a firm 4-week limit, longer use causes blood pressure problems.

Traditional uses & benefits

• Soothes sore throats, dry coughs, pharyngeal inflammation, and hoarseness from colds or throat irritation
• Most effective for irritated, dry, or scratchy throats rather than productive infections
• Not suitable for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or use beyond 4 weeks continuously

Ingredients

• Dried licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (2–3 g (approx. 1 tsp dried root pieces))
• Filtered water (250 mL)
• Ginger (optional) (2 thin slices fresh ginger)

How to prepare

1. CHECK FIRST: Do not use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or oedema. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use with digoxin, corticosteroids, or diuretics. 2. Add 1 tsp dried licorice root (and ginger slices if using) to a saucepan with 250 mL water. 3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 10–15 minutes (root requires decoction). 4. Strain and drink warm, up to 3 cups daily. Sip slowly to maximise contact time with throat tissue. 5. MAXIMUM 4 WEEKS CONTINUOUS USE — glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention and blood pressure elevation with prolonged use.

Why it works

Glycyrrhetinic acid (active metabolite of glycyrrhizin) coats inflamed pharyngeal mucosa (demulcent effect) and reduces inflammation via phospholipase A2 inhibition. Ruetzler K et al. (2013) RCT found licorice gargle before anaesthesia significantly prevented postoperative sore throat in intubated patients. The time-limit caveat is critical: glycyrrhizin inhibits 11β-HSD2, causing cortisol to behave as a mineralocorticoid, leading to sodium retention, potassium loss, and hypertension with use beyond 4 weeks. This makes licorice root suitable for acute short-term throat support only.

Time to effect

Best used as needed for acute relief; with regular use, supportive benefits build over 1 to 2 weeks.

Not right for

Not the right fit if any of these apply to you: hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, oedema, pregnancy, liver cirrhosis. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or GP first.

In simple terms

Licorice root's glycyrrhizin has direct anti-inflammatory effects on liver tissue and protects the gut lining simultaneously. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) removes the compound that raises blood pressure, making it safer for daily use.

When to take it

acute

Common mistakes

• Using whole licorice root daily for extended periods without monitoring blood pressure
• Confusing licorice candy with medicinal licorice root — they are not equivalent
• Using with blood pressure medications without medical supervision — glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure
• Using in pregnancy — licorice root is contraindicated in pregnancy

Sources

• Licorice for postoperative sore throat (Ruetzler 2013) (2013): Ruetzler K et al. RCT. Licorice gargle prevented postoperative sore throat after intubation.
• EMA monograph — Glycyrrhiza glabra (2012): EMA well-established use for upper respiratory tract catarrh. Maximum 4 weeks.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.