There are three herbs that get a strong reaction of 'love it' or 'cant stand it' when I chat about blends at tasting and workshops.
Top of the of the list - liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Peppermint and chamomile closely follow. All three have an unmistakable taste profile and when I dig a bit deeper it's usually a memory response rather than the flavour itself. Liquorice evokes the memory of black strap confectionery, peppermint of toothpaste and chamomile of soap. Most of it is a hangover from childhood and of fake flavourings versus the real, organic thing.
The root of the herb is used for brewing and contains glycyrrhizac acid which is said to be 50 times sweeter than sugar. Use of the liquorice root as a medicinal wonder is documented back to the times of the Greek commander Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) who supposedly gave his men the root to chew on before battle for adrenal support.
If you firmly sit in the 'no' category I totally get it. If you are open minded then read on about why I love to use this gem of a herb*:
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It's soothes digestion. It's healing action works throughout the digestive tract soothing inflammation and irritation to help with IBS, acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion
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It's super anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown it can help to relieve stiffness, heat and pain in muscles and joints to reduce inflammation
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It's anti-viral. As it is antimicrobial and anti-viral, it has been shown to help slow down and fight off sore throats, coughs and bronchitis by reducing airway irritation
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Combats adrenal stress. It's an effective tonic in supporting the adrenal glands that have been under long term stress and helps with recovery
- It's a natural sweetener. Stop those crazy sweet cravings in their tracks! The natural sweetness of this root satisfies the tastebuds
You can find liquorice root in the Restore and Chai Spice blends. Restore is a glorious mix of soothing herbs to help the tummy and one of my 'go-to' brews during an IBS flare up. There's just a touch in Chai Spice to add a little tingle of sweetness to enhance the flavours of all the wonderful other spices in the blend.
Have I changed your mind about liquorice? Leave a comment and let me know!
Happy brewing,
Jodie
*NOTE: This advice is general only and for specific medical issues please consult a general medical practitioner or health provider.