An organic after-meal infusion of coriander, fennel, liquorice, peppermint and basil — aromatic, faintly sweet from the liquorice, and pleasant at the end of a meal.
An honest note. This blend is commonly sold on the claim that coriander stimulates digestion and fennel helps reduce bloating. No health claim for these plants is authorised in the EU, so it does not appear here. Sitting with a warm drink after a meal is a good habit in its own right; that is the honest version.
Liquorice — please read this before drinking it daily
Liquorice is not a neutral flavouring. It contains glycyrrhizin, which causes the body to retain sodium and lose potassium. Regular, substantial intake can raise blood pressure, lower potassium and, in extreme cases, cause serious heart rhythm problems. This is a well-documented effect, and European authorities suggest keeping glycyrrhizin intake below about 100 mg a day.
Do not drink this regularly if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, low potassium, or you take diuretics, digoxin or corticosteroids. Avoid it in pregnancy — high liquorice intake in pregnancy has been associated with adverse outcomes and is specifically advised against. If you take any regular medication, ask a pharmacist.
An occasional cup is a different matter from several cups every day for months. The plant is genuinely pleasant, and it genuinely needs this label.
The fennel in the blend is also not advised for young children or in pregnancy. Avoid the whole blend with a carrot-family allergy — fennel, celery, carrot, anise.
- 100% organic infusion — made in France — caffeine-free