Licorice Peppermint Tea: Recipe and Safety

Licorice peppermint tea is an herbal infusion of licorice root and peppermint that takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes to prepare and yields 2 cups (480 mL).

It is one option in the broader category of herbal detox tea, though its main benefit as a drink is hydration rather than detoxification.

What is licorice peppermint tea?

Licorice peppermint tea combines naturally sweet licorice root with cooling peppermint leaves. The recipe below uses dried, food-grade herbs and makes a chilled infusion that can also be served warm.

Licorice root is different from licorice-flavored candy, which may not contain the root. Genuine licorice root can contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that can cause serious side effects in some people. The amount in a cup is difficult to predict because products and brewing methods vary.

How do you make licorice peppermint tea?

Yield: 2 servings, about 1 cup (240 mL) each
Total time: About 2 hours and 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 mL) water
• 1 teaspoon (about 2 g, or 1/48 cup) dried, cut, food-grade licorice root
• 1 teaspoon (about 1 g, or 1/48 cup) dried, food-grade peppermint leaves

Steps

1. Boil the water and place the licorice root and peppermint in a shallow, heat-safe container.
2. Pour the water over the herbs. Loosely cover the container and refrigerate it promptly.
3. Steep for 2 hours in the refrigerator; leave it for up to 4 hours if you prefer a stronger flavor.
4. Strain out the herbs and serve the tea chilled, or gently heat a serving until warm.

For another combination of ingredients, use the ai detox recipe generator.

Keep the strained licorice peppermint tea refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

The herb weights are approximate because cut roots and leaves vary in size. Measure by weight if possible, and choose herbs sold for use in food or tea rather than essential oils or extracts.

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What does licorice peppermint tea do for detox?

There is no evidence that licorice peppermint tea detoxifies the body. Like other water-based drinks, it can contribute to hydration, but it does not replace the body's waste-processing systems.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Sweat removes only trace amounts. Drinking enough fluid supports normal body functions, but adding herbs does not make the drink a cleanse.

How much licorice peppermint tea should you drink, and when?

The recipe makes two measured servings, but that is a recipe yield, not a recommended daily intake. There is no established safe daily amount for licorice peppermint tea, and the glycyrrhizin content of licorice root can vary. Even a single serving may not be safe for someone who is susceptible to its effects.

Avoid making licorice peppermint tea a daily habit. If you are considering drinking it, check the product label and consider asking a healthcare professional whether licorice root is appropriate for you, particularly if you take medicine. There is no proven detox benefit to drinking it at a particular time of day.

What are the side effects of licorice peppermint tea?

Licorice root can raise blood pressure, lower potassium and cause fluid retention or an irregular heartbeat. Avoid licorice peppermint tea if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease or low potassium. Avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and ask a child's healthcare professional before giving it to a child.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before drinking it if you take medicines, especially diuretics, blood pressure medicines, corticosteroids or medicines for heart conditions. Peppermint may also worsen heartburn for some people, so avoid the tea if it triggers your symptoms.

Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, fainting, severe weakness or an irregular heartbeat, especially after consuming licorice root. Contact a healthcare professional about symptoms such as swelling, muscle cramps or persistent heartburn. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

FAQs

Can you sweeten licorice peppermint tea?

Yes. Taste it first: licorice root contributes sweetness on its own. You can add a little honey or another sweetener if you prefer, but sweetening does not change the safety considerations for licorice root.