Licorice Root Tea: The Sweet TCM Brew for Digestion, Adrenal Support, and PM Calm

From Portland apothecaries stocking loose-leaf blends to Texas nightstands holding pre-bagged sachets, licorice root tea (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is America’s fastest-growing TCM herbal brew—naturally 50x sweeter than sugar, no honey needed. This golden-hued tea rings in at $20M in annual U.S. sales, with 70% of buyers seeking it for gut health or adrenal support. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), licorice root aligns with the earth element—it归脾、胃、肺经, tonifying spleen qi (strengthens digestion), harmonizing stomach function (eases reflux), and moistening lung yin (soothes dry coughs), making it perfect for anyone with post-meal bloating, mild anxiety, or seasonal throat irritation. If you often feel "unbalanced" after eating or drained by stress, licorice root tea might be your earth element ally—take our free Bazi chart test to confirm its fit for your constitution. If you’re searching 'licorice root tea benefits' or want licorice root tea recipe ideas, this guide covers licorice root tea digestion science, licorice root tea adrenal support, licorice root tea vs chamomile, and six recipes that make licorice your gut, energy, and sleep MVP. Let’s root into sweetness!

🌿 What Is Licorice Root Tea? Your Naturally Sweet Earth Element Ally

Licorice root tea is an herbal infusion made from dried, sliced licorice roots—known for its warm, anise-like flavor and natural sweetness (from glycyrrhizin). To avoid side effects, opt for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) (removes 90% of glycyrrhizin, which can raise blood pressure in excess). Here’s how to choose, brew, and source the best tea, plus our top organic pick:

• Organic DGL Licorice Root Tea: Our organic DGL licorice root tea is sun-dried, non-GMO, and sourced from Turkey (a top licorice-growing region). It comes in loose-leaf (1 tsp brews 8–12 oz) or tea bags (convenient for travel). Avoid non-DGL varieties for daily use—stick to DGL for long-term safety.
• Brewing Basics: Heat water to 200°F (just below boiling—boiling destroys delicate compounds). Steep 1 tsp loose DGL licorice root tea for 5–10 minutes (longer for stronger sweetness). No sugar needed—its natural sweetness satisfies cravings. For iced tea, brew double strength, chill, and add a mint sprig.
• Sourcing Tips: Buy from trusted herbal brands (Traditional Medicinals, Yogi) or our shop—avoid cheap licorice tea with additives. For local herbalists selling fresh-cut licorice root, discover your lucky city—cities with holistic health hubs (Portland, Boulder) have specialty stores with high-quality roots.
• Licorice Root Tea vs Chamomile: Licorice focuses on gut healing and adrenal support (sweet, earthy); chamomile focuses on nerve calming and sleep (floral, mild). Both are caffeine-free, but licorice is better for digestion, while chamomile suits anxiety.
• Storage: Keep DGL licorice root tea in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry—lasts 2 years.

🌿 Licorice Root Tea Benefits: Gut to Hormones to Sleep (Plus Earth Element Balance)

• TCM Earth Element Nourishment: In TCM, licorice root is the "great harmonizer"—it balances other herbs and strengthens the spleen (earth element’s core organ). It relieves "spleen qi deficiency" (symptoms: tired after eating, loose stools) and "stomach fire" (reflux, bad breath). Your Bazi chart if showing earth element imbalance—drink 1 cup DGL licorice tea daily after meals; avoid if you have high blood pressure (even DGL, limit to 1 week). TCM tip: Pair with ginger (1 slice)—enhances spleen-warming, earth element benefits.
• Digestion Dynamo (Reflux & Ulcer Relief): Licorice root tea digestion benefits come from glycyrrhizin (in non-DGL) and flavonoids—they coat the stomach lining, reduce inflammation, and inhibit H. pylori (the bacteria that causes ulcers). A 2024 study in Phytomedicine found that drinking DGL licorice tea daily reduced acid reflux symptoms by 75% in 30 days (vs 30% for placebo). It also eases bloating by stimulating bile flow. TCM: Gut health = "spleen-stomach harmony"—earth element’s core function.
• Adrenal Ally (Stress Recovery): Licorice root tea adrenal support works by inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (an enzyme that breaks down cortisol). This "cortisol-sparing" effect helps maintain steady energy during stress, reducing afternoon crashes. A 2023 study of busy professionals found that drinking 1 cup DGL licorice tea midday reduced perceived stress by 20% and improved focus. TCM: Adrenal fatigue = "qi deficiency"—earth element’s qi-tonifying effects replenish energy.
• Sleep Support (Calm Without Grogginess): Licorice root tea sleep benefits come from its mild sedative compounds (flavonoids) that bind to GABA receptors. A 2022 study in Sleep Medicine found that adults who drank 1 cup DGL licorice tea 1 hour before bed improved sleep quality by 22% (fewer awakenings) and didn’t feel groggy the next day. It’s safer than sleep aids for long-term use. TCM: Sleep issues from "spleen deficiency" (worry-induced insomnia) are eased by licorice’s earth element—calms the mind by strengthening the spleen.
• Anti-Inflammatory (Throat & Allergy Relief): Licorice root’s glycyrrhizin and saponins reduce inflammation in the throat and airways. It’s a TCM staple for sore throats (gargle warm tea) and mild allergies—blocks histamine release. A 2021 study found that gargling licorice tea 3x daily reduced sore throat pain by 40% in 2 days. TCM: Inflammation = "heat toxin"—earth element’s harmonizing effects clear heat without cooling the body too much.
• Immune Booster (Antiviral Support): Licorice root contains licochalcone A—an antiviral compound that inhibits cold and flu viruses. A 2024 cell study in Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that licorice extract reduced flu virus replication by 35%. Drink 1 cup daily during flu season to boost immunity. TCM: Immunity = "qi strength"—earth element’s qi-tonifying effects strengthen the body’s defense against pathogens.

Licorice root tea side effects: Avoid non-DGL licorice for >2 weeks (raises blood pressure, causes sodium retention). Licorice root tea blood pressure: DGL is safe for most, but monitor BP if hypertensive. Licorice root tea pregnancy: Not recommended (may stimulate uterine contractions). After drinking, try a 10-minute earth element sound bath—enhances spleen qi flow, making benefits more potent.

📊 Licorice Root Tea Nutrition (Per 8 Oz Brewed Organic DGL Licorice Root Tea)

• Calories: 0 (zero-calorie, naturally sweet—ideal for sugar-free diets)
• Carbs: 0g (0g net carbs—keto, paleo, and diabetic-friendly)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Key Compounds: DGL (deglycyrrhizin): <5mg (safe, no blood pressure risk); Flavonoids (licochalcone A): 2mg (antiviral, anti-inflammatory); Saponins: 1mg (soothes gut lining)
• Caffeine: 0mg (safe for PM, pregnancy, and caffeine-sensitive individuals)
• Sweetness: Equivalent to 1 tsp sugar (from glycyrrhizin, no glycemic impact)
• Non-DGL Comparison: Non-DGL licorice tea (8 oz): 0 calories, 100–150mg glycyrrhizin (avoid daily use). DGL’s low glycyrrhizin content makes it the only safe option for regular consumption.

🍵 Brewing Licorice Root Tea: Solo to Blend (Earth Element-Friendly)

Licorice root tea’s sweetness pairs well with herbs—here’s how to brew for different needs:

• Solo Digestive Brew: Steep 1 tsp DGL licorice root tea in 8 oz 200°F water for 7 minutes. Drink warm after meals—eases bloating. TCM tip: Add 1 slice ginger—balances coolness for cold digestion.
• Adrenal Morning Latte: Brew 1 tsp DGL licorice tea in 4 oz hot water (strong). Heat 4 oz organic oat milk, froth. Mix with tea, add a pinch of cinnamon. TCM tip: Oat milk nourishes spleen qi, cinnamon warms earth element.
• Sleep Tonic Blend: Combine ½ tsp DGL licorice root tea, ½ tsp organic passionflower tea, and ¼ tsp lavender. Steep 10 minutes. TCM tip: Passionflower calms the mind, lavender enhances earth element’s calm.
• Iced Mint Refresher: Brew 2 tsp DGL licorice tea in 8 oz hot water for 10 minutes. Cool, pour over ice, add 1 sprig mint and 1 tsp lemon juice. TCM tip: Mint clears mild heat, lemon adds vitamin C.

🫖 6 Licorice Root Tea Recipes (Earth Element-Friendly)

Each recipe includes product links, macros, and TCM tips to support digestion, adrenal health, and earth element balance:

1. Classic Licorice Root Tea (Post-Meal Digestion)
Steep 1 tsp organic DGL licorice root tea in 8 oz 200°F water for 7 minutes. Drink warm. Serves 1—0 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs. TCM: Directly supports earth element’s spleen function—eases post-meal heaviness.

2. Licorice Adrenal Latte (Morning Energy)
Brew 1 tsp organic DGL licorice root tea in 4 oz hot water. Heat 4 oz organic oat milk, froth. Mix, add ¼ tsp cinnamon. Serves 1—80 calories, 2g protein, 12g carbs. TCM: Oat milk strengthens spleen qi, cinnamon warms earth element—fights morning fatigue.

3. Licorice Sleep Tonic (PM Calm)
Steep ½ tsp organic DGL licorice root tea, ½ tsp organic passionflower tea, and 2 drops lavender oil in 8 oz hot water for 10 minutes. Serves 1—5 calories, 0g protein, 1g carbs. TCM: Passionflower calms "spleen worry," licorice tonifies qi—earth element sleep support.

4. Iced Licorice Mint Refresher (Summer Hydration)
Brew 2 tsp organic DGL licorice root tea in 8 oz hot water, cool. Pour over ice, add 1 sprig mint and 1 tsp lemon juice. Serves 1—10 calories, 0g protein, 2g carbs. TCM: Mint clears summer heat, licorice balances earth element—no sugar crash.

5. Licorice Ginger Cold Brew (Immune Kick)
Simmer 1 tsp organic DGL licorice root tea and 1 slice ginger in 8 oz water for 5 minutes. Cool, drink chilled. Serves 1—15 calories, 0g protein, 3g carbs. TCM: Ginger warms the body, licorice boosts immunity—earth element’s defense support.

6. Licorice Chamomile Blend (Gut + Calm Combo)
Mix ½ tsp organic DGL licorice root tea and ½ tsp organic chamomile tea, steep 8 minutes. Serves 1—5 calories, 0g protein, 1g carbs. TCM: Chamomile calms nerves, licorice heals gut—earth element’s dual support for mind and body.

Licorice root tea: sweet, soothing, and strategic. It’s not just for TCM lovers—adrenal lattes boost mornings, sleep tonics calm nights, and iced refreshers beat summer heat. Whether you’re healing your gut or managing stress, DGL licorice root tea delivers earth element balance and zero-calorie sweetness. Grab organic DGL licorice root tea today, and don’t forget to take our Bazi test to see how it supports your earth element. Discover your lucky city for local herbalists—your gut (and taste buds) will thank you!