What is Licorice?
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, with roots that have been used medicinally for thousands of years. The root contains glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid), which is 50 times sweeter than sugar and responsible for both its therapeutic effects and potential side effects.
Forms Available:
Whole licorice root: Contains glycyrrhizin (standard form)
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice): Glycyrrhizin removed, safer for long-term use
Licorice extract: Concentrated form of active compounds
Licorice tea: Mild form from steeped root
Topical preparations: Creams and gels for skin application
Primary Functions & Benefits
Digestive Health:
Soothes stomach ulcers and promotes healing of gastric mucosa
Reduces symptoms of acid reflux and GERD
Treats functional dyspepsia (indigestion)
May help with inflammatory bowel conditions
Supports liver health and detoxification
Respiratory Support:
Acts as expectorant for cough and bronchitis
Soothes sore throat and reduces throat irritation
May help with asthma symptoms
Anti-inflammatory for respiratory passages
Hormonal & Metabolic:
Supports adrenal gland function during stress
May help with menopausal symptoms (hot flashes)
Potential benefits for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Anti-androgenic effects (may reduce testosterone)
Immune & Anti-inflammatory:
Antiviral properties (effective against some viruses)
Antibacterial and antifungal actions
Reduces inflammation throughout the body
May support immune system function
Skin Health:
Treats eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions
Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Anti-aging properties (topical application)
Helps with rosacea and acne
Other Benefits:
May protect against certain cancers
Supports oral health (reduces cavity-causing bacteria)
Potential cognitive benefits and neuroprotection
May help regulate blood sugar
Recommended Dosages
Standard Licorice (with Glycyrrhizin):
General use: 1-5 grams of dried root daily
Extract (standardized): 200-600 mg daily
Tea: 1-2 cups daily (1-2 grams root per cup)
Maximum duration: 4-6 weeks without medical supervision
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice):
For digestive issues: 380-1,140 mg, 20 minutes before meals
Typical dose: 400-800 mg, 3 times daily
Can be used long-term: Safer for extended use
Topical Application:
2% licorice cream/gel: Apply to affected areas 2-3 times daily
Important: Dosage varies based on the specific condition being treated and individual health status.
Active Compounds
Primary Active Ingredients:
Glycyrrhizin: Main active compound with cortisol-like effects
Flavonoids: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Coumarins: Anti-coagulant and antimicrobial effects
Triterpene saponins: Various therapeutic actions
Isoflavones: Phytoestrogen activity
Forms & Preparations
Available Forms:
Dried root (whole or powdered)
Capsules and tablets
Liquid extracts and tinctures
DGL chewable tablets
Lozenges for throat relief
Teas and infusions
Topical creams and gels
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take:
For digestive issues: 20-30 minutes before meals
For adrenal support: Morning (mimics natural cortisol rhythm)
For general use: With or between meals
DGL for ulcers: Before meals and at bedtime
With or Without Food:
Standard licorice: Can be taken with or without food
DGL: More effective on empty stomach (before meals)
Extract: May be better tolerated with food if stomach sensitivity occurs
Duration Guidelines:
Short-term use: Up to 4-6 weeks for standard licorice
Long-term use: Switch to DGL if extended treatment needed
Cycling: Take breaks if using for extended periods
Synergistic Supplements
Take WITH Licorice:
Potassium supplements: Counteracts potassium loss from licorice
Digestive enzymes: Enhanced digestive support
Probiotics: Complementary gut health support
Slippery elm: Additional mucosal protection
Marshmallow root: Synergistic for digestive and respiratory health
Beneficial Combinations:
For stress: Ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil
For digestion: Ginger, peppermint, chamomile
For respiratory: Mullein, thyme, eucalyptus
For immune support: Echinacea, elderberry, vitamin C
Interactions & What NOT to Take
Serious Drug Interactions:
Blood pressure medications: Licorice can raise blood pressure
Diuretics (water pills): Increases potassium loss
Corticosteroids: Amplifies effects and side effects
Digoxin (heart medication): Potassium depletion increases toxicity risk
Warfarin: May increase bleeding risk
MAO inhibitors: May cause dangerous interactions
Insulin/diabetes medications: May affect blood sugar control
Hormonal Medications:
Birth control pills: May reduce effectiveness
Hormone replacement therapy: Can interfere with effects
Estrogen therapies: Additive estrogenic effects
Other Interactions:
Laxatives: Increased potassium loss
NSAIDs: May reduce effectiveness
ACE inhibitors: Risk of high potassium levels
Supplements to Avoid:
High doses of vitamin C (may reduce licorice effectiveness)
Other herbs affecting blood pressure
Excessive sodium intake
Who Should Take Licorice
Ideal Candidates:
People with digestive ulcers or GERD (use DGL)
Those with chronic cough or respiratory congestion
Individuals with adrenal fatigue or chronic stress
People with skin conditions (eczema, hyperpigmentation)
Those seeking natural antiviral support
Individuals with low blood pressure
People with inflammatory conditions
Specific Conditions:
Functional dyspepsia
Peptic ulcers (DGL form)
Chronic fatigue
Menopausal symptoms
PCOS (under medical supervision)
Chronic hepatitis
Who Should AVOID or Use Caution
Absolute Contraindications:
Pregnancy: Can increase risk of preterm birth
Breastfeeding: Safety not established
High blood pressure (hypertension): Licorice raises blood pressure
Heart disease: Risk of irregular heartbeat and fluid retention
Kidney disease: Can worsen kidney function
Liver cirrhosis: May cause complications
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia): Further depletes potassium
Hormone-sensitive conditions: Breast cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis
Use Extreme Caution:
People taking any medications (many interactions)
Those with diabetes (may affect blood sugar)
Individuals with glaucoma
People with erectile dysfunction
Those scheduled for surgery (stop 2 weeks prior)
Men with low testosterone
Anyone with edema or fluid retention
Benefits Summary
Evidence-Supported Benefits:
Strong evidence: Peptic ulcers (DGL), sore throat, dental cavities
Good evidence: Eczema (topical), menopausal symptoms, functional dyspepsia
Moderate evidence: Upper respiratory infections, hepatitis C, adrenal support
Preliminary evidence: PCOS, metabolic syndrome, cognitive function
Mechanisms of Action:
Inhibits cortisol breakdown (raises cortisol levels)
Anti-inflammatory via prostaglandin pathways
Antiviral through interference with viral replication
Estrogenic and anti-androgenic hormonal effects
Increases mucus production in digestive tract
Negative Effects & Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Elevated blood pressure
Fluid retention and swelling
Headache
Fatigue and lethargy
Low potassium levels
Muscle weakness
Irregular heartbeat (with high doses)
Hormonal Side Effects:
Decreased libido (men)
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced testosterone levels
Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
Menstrual irregularities
Long-term or High-Dose Effects:
Hypertension
Heart arrhythmias
Hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium)
Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
Pseudoaldosteronism (mimics aldosterone excess)
Vision problems
Rare but Serious:
Heart failure
Paralysis (from severe potassium depletion)
Kidney damage
Stroke risk
Deficiency Symptoms
Licorice is not an essential nutrient, so there are no deficiency symptoms. However, conditions that may benefit from licorice supplementation include:
Chronic digestive inflammation
Adrenal insufficiency symptoms
Frequent viral infections
Chronic cough or bronchitis
Low cortisol levels
Toxicity Symptoms
Acute Toxicity (High Single Dose):
Severe headache
High blood pressure spike
Irregular heartbeat
Muscle weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Chronic Toxicity (Long-term Overuse):
Persistent hypertension
Severe edema (swelling)
Muscle paralysis
Vision changes
Heart rhythm disturbances
Kidney problems
Toxic Levels:
Glycyrrhizin: More than 100 mg daily for extended periods
Licorice root: More than 5-15 grams daily
Individual sensitivity: Some people react to lower doses
Note: DGL does not cause these toxicity symptoms as glycyrrhizin has been removed.
Special Considerations
Gender-Specific Effects:
Men: May reduce testosterone, affect fertility and sexual function
Women: Estrogenic effects, may help with PCOS but avoid with estrogen-sensitive cancers
Age Considerations:
Children: Limited safety data, use only under medical supervision
Elderly: Increased risk of side effects, especially cardiovascular
Adults: Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels
DGL vs. Standard Licorice:
DGL: Safer for long-term use, no blood pressure effects, best for digestive issues
Standard licorice: More potent for immune/respiratory/adrenal support, but higher risk
Quality & Safety:
Choose standardized extracts with known glycyrrhizin content
DGL should have 97% or more glycyrrhizin removed
Third-party testing recommended
Avoid licorice candy (often contains no actual licorice or very high amounts)
Monitoring Recommendations
If Taking Licorice Long-term:
Monitor blood pressure regularly
Check potassium levels periodically
Watch for edema or swelling
Track any cardiac symptoms
Reassess need for continued use every 4-6 weeks
Summary & Key Takeaways
Licorice root is a powerful herbal medicine with significant benefits for digestive, respiratory, and hormonal health. However, it carries substantial risks, particularly for cardiovascular health, due to its effects on blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
Bottom Line: DGL is the safer choice for digestive issues and long-term use. Standard licorice should be used short-term (under 6 weeks) and avoided entirely by people with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, or those taking multiple medications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or take medications. Monitor your blood pressure and potassium levels if using standard licorice, and discontinue use if you experience side effects.