Licorice Root Soothing Tea
Ingredients
Conditions addressed
How to prepare
Dosage: 4–8 oz (120–240 ml), once daily.
- Blend or cold-press: Licorice root + Water + Honey + Ginger + Lemon.
- Strain if desired and serve fresh.
- Best consumed within 30 minutes of preparation for maximum nutrient retention.
Best time to drink
Best in the morning on an empty stomach, or 30 minutes before a meal — this maximizes nutrient absorption and avoids diluting digestive enzymes.
Interactions & contraindications
Licorice root
Full profile- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Pregnancy
AvoidWell-documented risk in pregnancy — regular/high licorice consumption (glycyrrhizin) has been linked in research to earlier delivery and effects on child cortisol regulation and behavioral development; most sources advise avoiding significant amounts, especially the concentrated root/extract form.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionGlycyrrhizin passes into milk; regular use is generally limited given its effect on blood pressure and potassium levels.
Children
Use CautionSmall culinary/candy amounts are generally fine occasionally; regular or concentrated use can affect blood pressure and potassium levels and is not recommended for daily use.
Blood pressure medications
Can raise blood pressure and counteract antihypertensives with prolonged use.
Digoxin
Licorice-induced potassium loss increases digoxin toxicity risk.
Diuretics, corticosteroids
Additive potassium depletion.
Water
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Water in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Water itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with stimulant activity, which can raise heart rate and blood pressure — generally best avoided or strictly limited in pregnancy. This is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionStimulant compounds pass into breast milk and can cause infant irritability or poor sleep — generally used cautiously and in moderation.
Children
AvoidStimulant effects on the developing cardiovascular and nervous system mean these herbs are generally avoided in children.
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
May have a stimulant effect
Watch for: Other caffeine-containing products, MAOIs, and stimulant medications (for ADHD or weight loss)
Additive stimulant effects can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
Honey
- Infants under 12 months — never give honey in any form due to infant botulism risk
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Honey in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Honey itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with stimulant activity, which can raise heart rate and blood pressure — generally best avoided or strictly limited in pregnancy. This is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionStimulant compounds pass into breast milk and can cause infant irritability or poor sleep — generally used cautiously and in moderation.
Children
AvoidStimulant effects on the developing cardiovascular and nervous system mean these herbs are generally avoided in children.
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
May have a stimulant effect
Watch for: Other caffeine-containing products, MAOIs, and stimulant medications (for ADHD or weight loss)
Additive stimulant effects can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
Ginger
Full profile- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
Pregnancy
Likely SafeOne of the best-studied herbs for pregnancy — widely used and generally recommended in typical culinary/tea doses (up to ~1g/day) for morning sickness. Very high doses are usually advised against in the final weeks due to a theoretical mild antiplatelet effect.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeCommonly used in normal culinary amounts; no significant concerns documented in typical use.
Children
Likely SafeWidely used in diluted tea or crystallized form for children's nausea and stomach upset; well tolerated in age-appropriate amounts.
Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin)
Mild antiplatelet activity may add to bleeding risk at high doses.
Diabetes medications
May have an additive blood-sugar-lowering effect.
Lemon
Full profile- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Pregnancy
Likely SafeGenerally considered one of the gentler calming herbs; commonly used in normal tea amounts for pregnancy-related anxiety, though very high/concentrated doses are best avoided given a mild traditional reputation for affecting thyroid hormone levels.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeWidely used traditionally to calm both nursing parent and colicky infant via the parent's tea; considered compatible with breastfeeding in normal amounts.
Children
Likely SafeOne of the most commonly used calming herbs for children in traditional practice, including for sleep and mild digestive upset, in diluted tea form.
Sedatives, thyroid medication
Additive sedative effect; may interact with thyroid hormone regulation at high doses.
General precautions
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.
May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.