Why combine licorice and mint leaves?
Mint (whether spearmint or peppermint) has a bright, fresh and invigorating taste. Conversely, licorice has a softer, sweeter taste with bitter and woody notes. In parallel with these flavors, harmonious together, the two aromatic plants are known for their similar virtues, favorable to digestion and intestinal transit.
What are the benefits of mint?
Popular since Antiquity, mint - and more precisely menthol, one of its molecules - acted as a painkiller. Used on the skin (as a poultice or as an essential oil), the aromatic plant also relieves joint pain and insect bites. But its benefits can also come through an infusion. Hot water releases its active ingredients more easily than cold water. Mint would then act to clear the respiratory tract, especially in cases of colds, or to facilitate digestion and soothe stomach aches and bloating.
What are the benefits of licorice?
This plant, native to Asia and southern Europe, is known mainly for its roots, where its active ingredients are concentrated. A root sold and marketed in the form of a stick. In herbal medicine (treatment or prevention of diseases through the use of plants), licorice relieves inflammation of the digestive system and skin diseases (psoriasis, herpes, dermatitis, eczema), while reducing joint pain. Be careful, however, not to consume it in excess, in too high a dose, over too long a period.
How to prepare homemade licorice and mint herbal tea?
If you don't have mint or licorice in your garden (or any garden at all!), mint plants (or peppermint) can be found in many stores, as well as licorice root sold in sticks. Be sure to favor plants from organic farming, as they are guaranteed to be pesticide-free. You can also opt for dried mint leaves, which last longer. Their infusion is prepared by placing the licorice stick in a pan of simmering water (heated to 100 degrees) for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, and add mint leaves (one sprig per cup desired). Then filter everything with a strainer (because the licorice root can leave small pieces) and enjoy immediately.
How to give more flavor to a licorice-mint herbal tea?
If you want to sweeten the infusion, we suggest adding a little brown sugar, honey, maple syrup or agave. Note that licorice mint herbal tea can be supplemented with other aromatic plants, for more flavors and benefits. We recommend the “licorice-mint-lime”, “licorice-mint-fennel”, “licorice-mint-chamomile”, “licorice, mint, hibiscus flower” or “licorice-mint-ginger” mixtures.
In which Kusmi infusion do we find licorice and mint?
Neither the desire nor the time to start making a homemade herbal tea? At Kusmi, we have developed a wide range of infusions. Among them, our mixture Be Cool includes mint and verbena leaves, accompanied by apple and licorice. All these aromatic plants come from organic farming (this is the choice we made at Kusmi), then they are mixed, flavored and packaged in France, in Seine-Maritime. Whether you buy it in bulk or in a bag, the infusion Be Cool has eco-responsible packaging, either recyclable or biodegradable. What more could you ask for?