Licorice root is used to flavor beverages and makes a tasty addition to tea blends. It has also been used to make coughs more productive and as a vitalizing herbal tonic. For tea: add 1-2 teaspoons of herb to 8 oz. water in a pot. Cover and simmer for 15-30 minutes, strain and serve immediately. Not for prolonged or excessive use except under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Prolonged use may cause potassium depletion and sodium retention resulting in symptoms of hypertension, edema, headache, vertigo. Not for use by persons with hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, cirrhosis, or the liver and cholestatic liver disorders, and diabetes. Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.