Licorice Fennel Tea: A Soothing Infusion for Throat and Digestion
A classic pairing from both Ayurvedic and Western herbal traditions: the soothing sweetness of licorice combined with the gentle carminative touch of fennel, for the throat as much as digestion.
Licorice fennel tea pairs two herbs already covered separately on this site: licorice, soothing for the throat and stomach, and fennel, a gentle carminative that eases bloating. Together, they make a comforting, digestive infusion, to drink at the end of a meal or when your throat feels irritated.
Simple to prepare, this tea does call for one point of care regarding which licorice to choose, detailed below.
The basic recipe
For one cup, allow 5 minutes of preparation and 8 to 10 minutes of infusion.
- Coarsely crush a teaspoon of fennel seeds to release their aroma.
- Place the crushed fennel seeds and a piece of dried licorice root (or a teaspoon of cut licorice) in a cup or small saucepan.
- Pour over just-boiled water, cover, and let infuse for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm, with no added sugar — licorice naturally brings a sweet note.
Why choose deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice for regular use
Whole licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound linked to a risk of raised blood pressure with heavy or prolonged consumption, as detailed in our article licorice: dangers and precautions. For a tea drunk daily rather than occasionally, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), from which glycyrrhizin has been removed by an extraction process, keeps the soothing effect on throat and stomach without that blood-pressure risk. Our buying guide how to choose licorice covers this distinction in detail.
Variations and pairings
| Variation | Addition | Effect sought |
|---|---|---|
| Throat version | A pinch of cardamom | Softens the aroma further, pleasant for a dry cough |
| Digestive version | A few seeds of toasted cumin | Strengthens the carminative effect after a heavy meal |
| Evening version | A longer infusion, served warm | Supports peaceful digestion before bed |
When to drink it?
This tea fits well at the end of a meal to support digestion, or during the day for an irritated throat or mild cough, in the same spirit as the cumin-coriander-fennel tea already featured on this site. Serve it warm rather than iced, so as not to work against the digestive fire.
Precautions
Whole licorice root is contraindicated in cases of high blood pressure, pregnancy, or heart or kidney treatment; in those situations, always prefer the DGL version or avoid licorice altogether. Fennel, at the culinary dose used in this tea, is broadly very safe, including while breastfeeding. If in doubt, consult our safety and precautions guide.
Your questions about licorice fennel tea
What are the proportions for licorice fennel tea?
For one cup, allow a teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds and a piece or teaspoon of dried licorice root, infused for 8 to 10 minutes in just-boiled water.
Should I use DGL licorice for this tea?
It is preferable for regular use: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice keeps the soothing effect without the blood-pressure risk linked to glycyrrhizin in the whole root.
Is this tea suitable if I have high blood pressure?
Not with whole licorice: it is discouraged in cases of high blood pressure. Choose a DGL version, which does not carry this risk, or replace the licorice with another soothing herb.
Can I drink this tea every day?
Yes, with DGL licorice. With whole root, it is better to keep this tea for occasional use, especially beyond a few consecutive weeks.
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