I think I may have to go to Tea-hab. My effort to eliminate coffee was a smashing success, but now I’m hooked on tea. Not even caffeinated tea. Licorice, of all things, is my new herb of choice. In the general scheme of addictions, it’s a “good” one. But it still has its drawbacks.

According to the manufacturer of my favorite brand, Yogi Tea, licorice root consumed in high quantities raises blood pressure. How much is too much? More than 2 cups a day, supposedly. Now, that should be plenty. But I’m not someone who functions well with restrictions. Knowing I can only drink 2 cups makes me long for 3, 4. More.

Is nothing sacred? When herbal tea becomes the gateway drug, one of two elements are at work: (1) Murphy’s Law (2) Moderation insisting on itself.

I’ll do my best to moderate, oh licorice root. I’ll spread the love around and dabble in  Mayan cocoa spice again. If it doesn’t work, I’ll call Blue Cross Blue Shield and see if they can get me into a 28-Day program for herbal tea addicts.

BCBS, however, is no fan of of preventative healthcare. I’d probably have to have an “episode” before they paid for my treatment. I suppose shooting up the organic market would qualify. But purchasing a handgun, not to mention the bullets, would waste vital financial resources I could otherwise spend on Yogi Tea.

I suppose I’ll just have to live with yet another restriction. And have to admit that The Libertarian diet just doesn’t work for me. I’m not sure, yet, what does work, but I’ll contemplate it over a nice, steaming cup of….