Licorice Root Tea Benefits and Uses for Skin, Hair and Health
The sap of licorice is much sweeter than sugar. Licorice root has lots of benefits and has been used by man for ages. A tea made with this root can treat throat infections. It is also good for treating other health problems like canker sores, depression, ulcers, skin rashes, assorted infections, liver disorders, menopausal problems etc.
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Benefits of Licorice Root Tea for Skin:
Cures skin disorders:
You can treat various skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, dry skin problems and skin rashes by applying cool licorice root tea. This is because of the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and demulcent properties of this tea, which help in reducing redness, inflammation etc. This way it makes the healing process faster. Its hydrating property locks the moisture and prevents the skin from getting dry.
Natural source of fairness:
Licorice has the power to make your skin brighter, so that it looks fairer. Make a face pack by mixing the tea with multani mitti and apply it on your face. Wash off with water after it gets dry. You can add a few drops of coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil to this pack to keep the skin hydrated.
Natural sunscreen:
By including this tea in your daily diet, you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. A thick decoction like tea helps in protecting your skin from sunburns, tan and UV/UVB rays. It is also effective for protecting your skin from excessive loss of moisture when the skin is exposed to the scorching sun for a long time. Moreover, it also makes your skin fairer and smoother. If you are suffering from sun damage, apply a face pack made with this tea and cucumber on the affected area. You will get relief.
Soothes and hydrates skin:
By consuming licorice root tea regularly, you can keep your skin moisturized and hydrated from within. You can also apply this tea on your skin and wash off after a while. This helps in providing you a soft skin.
Benefits of Licorice Root Tea for Hair:
Effective hair treatment:
Make a hair pack with this tea, amla powder and henna and apply it on your hair. This can treat various hair conditions like sun damage, dandruff, split ends, dull hair and so on.
Good for the scalp:
The tea made from this root has great hydrating properties and is therefore good for keeping your scalp well moisturized. It is also good for preventing dandruff, scabs and other scalp issues. Take this tea and add a few drops of coconut oil to it. Massage your scalp with this mixture and wait for an hour. Wash off with water. This will give you a moisturized scalp.
Helps in hair growth:
Consuming licorice root tea as well as applying it topically on the scalp is said to aid in proper growth of your hair. It traps the moisture in the scalp and help in the healthy growth of the hair follicles. As a result, you will have radiant and thick hair. It is also said to help prevent premature baldness.
Health and Medicinal Benefits of Licorice Root Tea:
Aids in weight loss:
You can lower your body fat mass to a significant level by using 3.5 gm of licorice root in the form of tea for 8 weeks. Have two cups of this tea daily, with each cup containing 1.75 gm of this root. This, along with a well balanced diet and regular workout, can help reduce your weight within 12 weeks.
Cure for low blood pressure:
It is not very easy to treat low blood pressure. Licorice root tea is an effective remedy for this treatment. Drink two cups of this tea daily and this will pep up your blood pressure and helps in getting rid of fatigue, dizziness and nausea.
Good for diabetics:
Licorice root extract is an excellent substitute for sugar. So, if you suffer from diabetes, you can add licorice root tea instead of sugar to the regular tea you make.
Good for liver:
By consuming two cups of licorice root tea daily, you can keep your liver free from all toxins. This is because of the detoxifying properties of this tea.
Good for arthritis:
The pain caused due to inflamed conditions like arthritis can be treated by having this tea. This is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces pain as well as the swelling caused. You can also improve the joint movements by drinking this tea regularly.
Helps combat depression:
Consuming licorice root tea helps in stimulating the adrenal glands and regulating the synthesis of cortisol hormones. As you know, reduced levels of these hormones are responsible for anxiety, stress, chronic fatigue and nervousness. So, this tea is a natural anti-depressant and keeps your mood elevated. You can get rid of depression by including two cups of this tea in your daily diet.
Natural remedy for cold:
Licorice root tea is a good remedy for cold and cough. This is because of its antiviral and expectorant properties. It also gives a boost to your immunity power, thus making you immune to such infections.
Protects you from cardiac disorders:
This tea is excellent for stimulating the flow of bile and to keep the cholesterol levels within control. Moreover, its antioxidant properties help in preventing the plaque from getting attached to the arterial wall and thus keep the capillaries healthy. Lower levels of cholesterol combined with smooth flow of blood make sure that you stay away from cardiac disorders.
How to make licorice root tea at home?
You need water and dried licorice roots to make the tea. Take a saucepan and fill it with water. Put it on a medium heat. When the water starts boiling, add 1 teaspoon of dried licorice roots and boil it. Turn the burner off and let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain it and throw out the roots. Your licorice root tea is ready. If you are using it to treat cough and cold, you can add a piece of fresh ginger while you steep the tea.
