Licorice Root
Licorice root comes from the root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra, which grows inTrusted Source Asia, Southern Europe, and the Middle East.
Medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for pharaohs. Now, it’s used to help treat various ailments and flavor candies, drinks, and medicines.
Licorice root contains nearly 300 compoundsTrusted Source, but its primary active compound is glycyrrhizin. This is responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
That said, glycyrrhizin is also linkedTrusted Source to some adverse effects. As a result, some products use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has had the glycyrrhizin removed.
Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits, side effects, and recommended dosage of licorice root.
Current research shows promise for several of licorice root’s medicinal uses, but it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully support these potential benefits.
May aid skin conditions
ResearchTrusted Source suggests licorice root extract may help treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne and eczema.
What’s more, a 2019 studyTrusted Source found that a cream containing licorice root, gentian root, and willow bark extract was as effective as a 1% hydrocortisone cream in treating eczema symptoms.
May reduce acid reflux and indigestion
Licorice root extract may be used to help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion.
A 2017 study in 58 adults with GERD found that taking licorice root daily was more effective at reducing symptoms over a 2-year period than commonly used antacids.
Learn more about herbs and supplements for GERD and acid reflux.
May help treat peptic ulcers
Licorice root extract and its glycyrrhizin may help treat peptic ulcers. These painful sores develop in your stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine as a result of H. pyloribacteria.
A 2023 animal study found that licorice flavonoid could help relieve peptic ulcers by increasing mucus production, reducing inflammation, and improving gut microbiome.
A 2016 studyTrusted Source in 120 adults found that consuming licorice extract in addition to a standard treatment significantly reduced the presence of H. pylori after 2 weeks.
May have anticancer properties
Licorice root extract is being studied for its protective effects against certain types of cancer, according to the National Cancer InstituteTrusted Source.
Animal studies have found that licorice root helped slow or prevent cell growth in skinTrusted Source, colorectalTrusted Source, and breastTrusted Source cancer.
As research is limited to test tubes and animals, its effects on human cancers are unknown.
However, researchTrusted Source suggests that licorice root extract may be as effective as the standard treatment for oral mucositis, a side effect of chemotherapy.
May ease upper respiratory conditions
A 2019 review found that glycyrrhizin extract from licorice root may help relieve asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The authors also suggest it may be the asthma treatment with the fewest potential side effects.
Another 2019 studyTrusted Source found licorice root tea and extract may protect against strep throat.
However, further research is needed.
May protect against cavities
ResearchTrusted Source suggests that licorice root may help protect against cavities and treat the following oral health conditions:
- oral thrush
- canker sores
- tooth decay
- periodontitis
However, more research is needed on the optimal dose and form of licorice root for oral health.
Other potential benefits
Licorice root extract is tied to several other potential benefits, such as:
- aidingTrusted Source diabetes
- reducingTrusted Source menopause symptoms
- boostingTrusted Source weight loss
- treatingTrusted Source hepatitis C
However, more research is needed to fully support these benefits.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed licorice root generally safeTrusted Source for use in foods.
However, the FDA does not monitor supplements for purity, effectiveness, or accuracy of ingredient labeling.
As such, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking licorice root to help treat health conditions.
Licorice root overdose
Both chronic use and large doses of licorice root products may lead to glycyrrhizin accumulation in your body. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that in rare cases, this may cause:
- high blood pressure
- low potassium levels
- arrhythmia
- kidney failure
- congestive heart failure
- pulmonary edema
Who should not use licorice root?
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care (NCCIC)Trusted Source notes that chronic use of licorice root may pose a risk for people with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease, as well as people who are pregnant or nursing.
Drug interactions
Licorice root has been shown to interact withTrusted Source several medications, including:
- blood pressure medications
- blood thinners
- cholesterol-lowering medications
- diuretics
- estrogen-based contraceptives
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
If you’re taking any of these medications, it’s best to avoid licorice root products unless a doctor tells you otherwise.
Licorice root can be purchased fresh or dried. As a supplement, licorice root extract comes in several forms, including:
- capsules
- powders
- tinctures
- topical gels
- teas
How much licorice root is safe per day?
There’s currently no standard dosage recommendation.
A 2021 reviewTrusted Source suggests doses vary depending on the form of licorice root and the health condition being treated. For example, two 380-milligram (mg) DGL tablets before eating are recommended for GERD.
For asthma, there are three options:
- 1–5 grams of dried licorice root powder, three times daily
- 2–5 milliliters of licorice tincture, three times daily
- 250–300 mg of licorice extract, three times daily
That said, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Scientific Committee of Food (SCF) both recommend limiting glycyrrhizin intake to no more than 100 mg per day.
Another option is to look for DGL powders or capsules, as these are free of glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for most of licorice’s side effects. However, it’s unclear whether DGL products have the same health effects.
It’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any licorice products.
Does licorice root heal the gut?
Some research suggests that licorice root may have benefits for the gut microbiome in mice. However, more research in humans is needed.
Can I drink licorice root tea every day?
One cup of licorice tea is unlikely to cause side effects. However, in rare cases, drinking high amounts of licorice root tea every day could cause hypertension and low potassium levels, which may require hospitalization.
References
What Are Licorice Root’s Benefits and Downsides? – Healthline – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/licorice-root
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