Slippery elm inner bark is rich in mucilage, a gel-like fiber that turns tea silky and coats and soothes the throat and digestive tract on the way down. Licorice root adds natural sweetness and has long been used to soothe. Together they make a caffeine-free, no-sugar-needed evening tea. Klara Tea contains just these two herbs. People with high blood pressure should check with a doctor before drinking licorice tea regularly.†
There's a reason grandmothers kept slippery elm in the pantry. Stir it into hot water and something unusual happens: the water turns soft and silky, almost velvety. Add licorice root and it turns naturally sweet. It's one of the oldest comfort cups in North American and European herbal tradition, and it's perfect for winter.
Why slippery elm works so well
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a North American tree. The useful part is the inner bark, which is packed with mucilage, a soluble fiber that forms a smooth gel in water. Herbalists call herbs like this demulcents: they coat and soothe the tissues they touch.†
That's why slippery elm shows up in traditional throat lozenges, and why a cup of it feels so comforting on a winter evening when dry heated air has left your throat scratchy.† The same coating action continues down into the digestive tract, which is why many people reach for it after a big or late dinner.†
Why licorice root
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used for at least 4,000 years, from ancient Egypt to traditional Chinese medicine. It's naturally about 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar, so a cup of licorice tea needs no honey. Licorice has a long history of use as a soothing herb for the throat and stomach, and herbalists have traditionally added it to blends to harmonize them.†
A note on safety: licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which in large amounts over time can raise blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney concerns, are pregnant, or take blood pressure medication, talk with your doctor before drinking licorice tea regularly.
How to brew the silkiest cup
- Heat water to just off the boil, about 200°F.
- Add 1 rounded teaspoon of Klara Tea per 8 to 10 oz cup.
- Cover and steep 8 to 10 minutes. Covering keeps the warmth in while the mucilage releases.
- Stir once or twice, then strain through a fine strainer.
- Sip slowly. No sugar needed.
Want it extra comforting? Add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a squeeze of lemon. For a creamier winter version, top with warm oat milk.
The winter evening ritual
The herbs are only half of it. The other half is the ten minutes. Dishes done, kettle on, phone down, both hands around a warm mug. In the middle of winter, that small ritual is a signal to your body that the day is over. It's caffeine-free, so it won't keep you up.
Pair it with Klara Boost in the morning and you have the full two-step routine: drops to start the day, a warm cup to end it.† The pair is $38.98 on Amazon. Add both to your cart.
What's in Klara Tea
Two ingredients: slippery elm bark and licorice root. Loose leaf, 6 oz, about 55 servings, rated 4.5 stars by more than 90 Amazon buyers. Vegan, gluten-free, no added sugar, no caffeine.
Frequently asked questions
Is slippery elm tea good for your throat?
Slippery elm inner bark is high in mucilage, which forms a smooth gel in water and coats the throat. It has a long history of use as a soothing demulcent, and is a traditional ingredient in throat lozenges.†
How much licorice tea is safe?
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which in large amounts over time can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. For most healthy adults, a cup a day is common. If you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, are pregnant or take related medications, talk with your doctor first.
Does Klara Tea have caffeine?
No. Klara Tea is just slippery elm and licorice root, both naturally caffeine-free, so it works well in the evening.
How do I make slippery elm tea less clumpy?
Stir the tea into hot (not boiling) water, steep covered for 8 to 10 minutes and stir once or twice. A fine strainer helps. The silky texture is the point, so expect a thicker cup than ordinary tea.
Can I drink Klara Tea with Klara Boost?
Yes. Klara Boost in the morning and Klara Tea in the evening is the routine we designed. Both contain licorice, so check with your doctor first if licorice is a concern for you.
Written by the Drink Inc editorial team. We cite our sources, avoid hype and update guides as new research comes out. Questions or corrections: info@drink-products.com.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Drink Inc products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, take medication, or have a medical condition.