Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies. Native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, it has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and skin problems.
The science on licorice is genuinely mixed. Some uses have solid research behind them, while others remain unproven. And the same compound responsible for many of its benefits — glycyrrhizin — also causes most of its side effects.
Here’s what the evidence actually shows.
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How is licorice root used?
Medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt. Traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Greek medicines have all used it for digestive complaints, inflammation, and upper respiratory problems.
Today, licorice root is available as capsules, liquid extracts, teas, and topical gels. People use it for heartburn, acid reflux, coughs, and skin conditions.
A quick note on licorice candy: most of it doesn’t actually contain licorice root. It’s typically flavored with anise oil, which has a similar taste.
The key compound: glycyrrhizin
Licorice root contains hundreds of compounds, but glycyrrhizin is the main one. It’s responsible for the root’s sweetness (50 times sweeter than sugar) and drives most of its biological effects.
A systematic review identified glycyrrhizin as having significant anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. However, the same compound causes the majority of licorice’s adverse effects.1
This is why some products use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has the glycyrrhizin removed.
Potential benefits of licorice root
May help with digestive issues
The strongest evidence for licorice involves digestive conditions. A meta-analysis of herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia found that licorice-containing preparations significantly improved symptoms compared to placebo.2
For acid reflux and GERD, some studies show promise. In one 8-week study of 58 adults with GERD, licorice combined with standard treatment improved symptoms more than standard treatment alone.
Suggested read: 9 Science-Backed Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcers
For peptic ulcers, licorice may help fight H. pylori, the bacteria that causes most ulcers. A clinical study found that adding licorice extract to standard antibiotic therapy enhanced H. pylori eradication rates.3
May improve certain skin conditions
Topical licorice extract has been studied for eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory compounds — particularly glycyrrhizin and glabridin — can reduce redness and irritation.
One randomized trial found that a topical gel containing licorice extract significantly improved eczema symptoms after 2 weeks compared to placebo.
Research on acne is more limited and less conclusive.
May support respiratory health
Licorice has traditionally been used for coughs and sore throats. Some research supports this: test-tube and small human studies suggest it may help with upper respiratory symptoms and protect against sore throat after surgery.
The evidence for asthma is mostly from animal studies. While glycyrrhizin shows anti-inflammatory effects in airways, we need more human research before drawing conclusions.
May protect against cavities
Licorice root contains compounds that fight Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria responsible for tooth decay. One study gave preschoolers licorice-containing lollipops and found significant reductions in cavity-causing bacteria.
Other potential benefits
Research has also explored licorice for:
- Blood sugar control — Animal studies show improvements, but human data is limited
- Menopause symptoms — Some evidence for reducing hot flashes, but studies are small
- Weight management — Results are inconsistent
- Hepatitis C — Glycyrrhizin shows antiviral effects in lab studies
Potential side effects and precautions
The FDA considers licorice root generally safe for food use. But supplements are a different story — large doses or long-term use can cause serious problems.
How glycyrrhizin causes problems
Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme called 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. This leads to a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, where the body retains sodium and water while losing potassium.4
Symptoms of excessive licorice intake include:
- High blood pressure
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Muscle weakness
- Fluid retention
- Abnormal heart rhythms
In severe cases, licorice toxicity can cause kidney failure, heart failure, or pulmonary edema. These cases are rare but documented in medical literature.
Who should avoid licorice
Skip glycyrrhizin-containing products if you have:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease or heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Low potassium levels
Pregnancy concerns
Pregnant women should avoid licorice supplements. Research has linked high glycyrrhizin intake during pregnancy to cognitive and behavioral problems in children later in life.
Drug interactions
Licorice can interact with:
- Blood pressure medications
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Diuretics
- Corticosteroids
- Estrogen-based contraceptives
- Digoxin
If you take any of these medications, talk to your doctor before using licorice products.
Dosage and forms of licorice root
Licorice comes in several forms:
- Whole root — Fresh or dried, typically used for tea
- DGL supplements — Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (glycyrrhizin removed)
- Standard extracts — Capsules or liquids containing glycyrrhizin
- Topical gels — For skin conditions
Recommended limits
The World Health Organization and European Scientific Committee recommend limiting glycyrrhizin to no more than 100 mg daily. For reference, that’s roughly 50-70 grams of actual licorice candy, depending on glycyrrhizin content.
The problem: most supplements don’t list glycyrrhizin amounts on the label. This makes it hard to know exactly what you’re getting.
DGL: the safer option?
DGL supplements avoid glycyrrhizin’s side effects while potentially retaining some benefits for digestive issues. However, since glycyrrhizin contributes to many of licorice’s effects, DGL may not work the same way.
For digestive support, common DGL doses range from 380-760 mg before meals.
For general digestive health, you might also consider other anti-inflammatory supplements or anti-inflammatory foods.
Summary
Licorice root has genuine therapeutic potential, particularly for digestive issues like dyspepsia, acid reflux, and ulcers. Topical forms may help with inflammatory skin conditions.
But the risks are real. Glycyrrhizin can cause serious cardiovascular and electrolyte problems with excessive use. If you want to try licorice, consider DGL supplements to avoid these issues, or limit use to short periods with glycyrrhizin-containing products.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting licorice supplements, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.
Wang L, Yang R, Yuan B, Liu Y, Liu C. The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2015;5(4):310-315. PubMed ↩︎
Choi YJ, Lee DH, Lee KH, et al. Therapeutic Effects of Herbal Medicines for Functional Dyspepsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gut Liver. 2024;18(4):636-656. PubMed ↩︎
Hajiaghamohammadi AA, Zargar A, Oveisi S, Samimi R, Reisian S. To evaluate of the effect of adding licorice to the standard treatment regimen of Helicobacter pylori. Braz J Infect Dis. 2016;20(6):534-538. PubMed ↩︎
Omar HR, Komarova I, El-Ghonemi M, et al. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2012;3(4):125-138. PubMed ↩︎
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