17/07/2026
Licorice root, which is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, comes from the root of the licorice plant . Likewise, Licorice has become synonymous with a strong candy flavor, but the herb itself — Glycyrrhiza glabra — has very different strengths.
Which is an adaptogen herb, licorice root , which was originally native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, licorice has long been used to treat various ailments and flavor candies, drinks, and medicines.. Althought, despite this history, only some of its uses are really backed by scientific research. Likewise, licorice may carry several health risks.
Licorice root is a herbal dietary supplement that is commonly used by many people to treat ailments like heartburn, acid reflux, hot flashes, coughs, bronchitis, sore throat, stomach ulcers, some bacterial and viral infections. You can regularlyfind it available as a capsule or liquid supplement
Licorice root has a sweet taste quite similar to star anise. The licorice root has long been known for its many beneficial uses because of its active compound known as glycyrrhizin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. So it is recommended by many herbalists and holistic practitioners as an alternative remedy for various health problems and for boosting the adrenal health. In traditional medicine, licorice root is used for rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus and allergies. It is also known to be effective for peptic ulcer and mouth ulcers.
Additionally, licorice tea, has been used to soothe sore throats, while topical gels are claimed to treat skin conditions like acne or eczema.
What’s more, licorice is used to flavor some foods and beverages
Surprisingly, many licorice candies are flavored not with licorice root but with anise oil — an essential oil from the anise plant (Pimpinella anisum) that has a similar taste.
Plant compounds
While it contains hundreds of plant compounds, licorice root’s primary active compound in licorice root is glycyrrhizic acid, an anti-viral. In a 2009 study published in “Hepatology Research,” researchers at Tokyo’s Medical and Dental University state that this compound suppresses the replication of the hepatitis C virus. In recent studies, glycyrrhizic acid has also been tested to disrupt the latent Kaposi sarcoma, a tumor caused by Human herpes virus 8 (HHV8).
Glycyrrhizin isalso responsible for the root’s sweet taste, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Likewise, at his time, we don’t have time to discuss them all and researchers learn more about compounds in herbs every day. But there are at least four main types of compounds found in licorice root: flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenoids and stilbenoids.
However, glycyrrhizin is also linked to many of the adverse effects of licorice root. As a result, some products use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which has had the glycyrrhizin removed.
Let’s Look at Some of the Benefits
So when looking at the varied compounds in licorice and their clear benefits, it’s not surprising that this ancient herb has lasted through the centuries! Just a few indications for licorice root include heartburn, leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, PMS and pain relief.
These kinds of conditions are terribly prominent in our society. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t affected by one (or more!) of these conditions. Heartburn alone is a facet of gastrointestinal disorders that Americans spend $90 billion to remedy, every single year. Let’s take a quick look at each of these common conditions and how licorice root benefits them.
Heartburn and acid reflux
Published in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, an extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra was found to be effective against functional dyspepsia, which includes not only heartburn but also a natural remedy for nausea, indigestion and stomach pain
The type used for the study was DGL licorice, which left participants without any negative side effects associated with glycyrrhizin. DGL can be purchased as chewable tablets that can be taken before meals.
Adrenal fatigue :
In spite of living in a relatively simple time in history, our society is plagued by environmental, physical and mental stress disorders. So many of us have sent our adrenal glands in overdrive, like we’re running from wooly mammoths when we’re really just dealing with a budget issue or a decision at work.
The adrenal gland is responsible for hormonal release, in particular the stress regulating hormone cortisol. We find that in the medical journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, licorice was found to help the body more efficiently regulate cortisol — the stress hormone — thus giving your adrenals a break. It turns out it’s one of the main adaptogen herbs to help improve stress response.
It was a 1990 study published in “the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that glycyrrhizic acid blocks the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone, resulting in higher levels of cortisol. Cortisol is known to have a great effect in boosting a person’s energy and endurance level, stimulates the conversion of protein to carbohydrate and suppresses inflammation.
Depression
As stated above, there is research that shows that the Glycyrrhizic acid that is in licorice root can help with nervousness and depression by encouraging the function of the adrenal glands. It’s our adrenal glands control stress hormones including cortisol. When one’s stress hormone levels are low it can often be the cause of persistent fatigue, melancholy, anxiety, and having less resistance to infections and allergens. Licorice root also happens to also have the Asparagine amino acid that is needed to preserve equilibrium in the body’s nervous system.
Anti-bacterial:
Licorice root has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Licorice root can be used to treat skin problems caused by the build-up of bacteria or fungus on the skin such as athlete’s foot, dandruff, acne, and other skin problems.
Blood health :
Licorice root can act as a blood detoxifier and cleanser. It helps in maintaining the normal flow of the blood and cleanses it from any harmful chemicals like excess cholesterol. For people with diabetes, licorice roots can help in avoiding hypoglycemia, which is caused by low blood sugar levels. The natural sweetness of licorice roots will help slightly increase the low blood-sugar level without causing a resultant sugar spike — and it can make a great ingredient for diabetic desserts
Cardiovascular Disease Studies and High Cholesterol
There has been research that shows that licorice root may control the cholesterol ranges by enhancing the body’s flow of bile. There is also research to indicate that bile acids account for elimination of excessive cholesterol in your body. Also, the antioxidant action of licorice root may enhance capillary health and hinder the growth of arterial plaque.
Cough relief :
Licorice root can be used as an expectorant and cough remedy. Drinking licorice root tea thrice daily can help cure cough, asthma, and congestion. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties that will help loosen and release mucus, and will make the air passages wider so that oxygen can flow more freely. It also has a soothing effect to calm lungs.
Cough/sore throat
Licorice root benefits a sore throat or cough immensely as an effective expectorant, helping to loosen and expel mucus that the cough is trying to eliminate. Its soothing demulcent, anti-inflammatory properties can bring fast relief for sore throat. Demulcents need to make contact with the part of the body that needs to be soothed, so extracts in cough drops and syrups, as well as tea, are most effective.
Immunity
Licorice is emerging as a prominent player in the search for treatment and prevention for diseases like hepatitis C, HIV and influenza. The triterpenoid content has been confirmed as an antiviral, making licorice extract a potentially strong partner for the immune system. One study published in Food Chemistry described licorice as having “antioxidant, free-radical scavenging, immunostimulating” properties.
Laxative :
Licorice root is good for the gastrointestinal tract. Licorice root can act as a mild natural laxative to help people with constipation. People with hemorrhoids can also benefit from this property of licorice root. Licorice can help in passing the bowels easier to avoid irritation and bleeding of the hemorrhoid glands.
Leaky Gut
Tied to systemic health issues, leaky gut syndrome can be difficult to tackle. As an anti-inflammatory and demulcent (soothing) herb, licorice root works as a natural remedy for ulcers and can be a beneficial leaky gut supplement.
Pain relief
As an antispasmodic, licorice can have an effect on cramps both abdominally and potentially in the muscles, as well. Topically, licorice can alleviate eczema discomfort and other dermal conditions as it acts as a hydrocortisone. Anti-inflammatory benefits may also help relieve pain, including acting as a natural remedy for joint pain.
PMS/Menopause
Licorice root also appears to have an estrogen-like effect in women, lending itself as an option for menstrual- and fertility-related concerns, including as a natural remedy for PMS. For treatment of menopause, licorice was shown in a Health Care for Women International study to be better than hormone replacement therapy at reducing the duration of hot flashes.
Menopause
The phytoestrogenic and anti-oxidant action of licorice root is thought to be useful for hormonal problems including exhaustion, mood swings, and hot flashes in women who are going through menopause. Consequently, ingesting just one capsule of licorice root daily can help balance and control a woman’s hormone production if she happens to be going through menopause.
Menstrual and PMS Cramps
This herb has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and a moderate estrogenic action which might assist with PMS symptoms including breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, nausea and bloating, not to mention mood swings. Consuming licorice root as a tea each day starting about three days prior to one’s anticipated time of the month might help to alleviate PMS symptoms.
Flavoring :
Licorice root has been used by people since ancient times as a spice or flavoring to add to their food. Licorice root is sweeter than sugar with a slight taste similar to anise. Licorice roots can be used to make candies and teas.
It is used in some Chinese, European and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Remedies
Skin disorders and problems :
Ancient civilizations have used salves made from licorice roots to treat various skin conditions and problems. Which individuals have been making use of this herb as poultices and salves in treating eczema, skin rashes, psoriasis, and itchy and dry skin.
Topical application of licorice root extract can help in treating psoriasis, rashes, dry skin, itchy skin, and other skin disorders. A small medical research that was done indicates that the demulcent and anti-inflammatory agents in licorice root gel may decrease the signs of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Just applying a salve made from licorice root onto the area 2 to 3 times daily can help alleviate skin problems.
To prepare a licorice root salve, bring 2 tbsp. dried licorice root and 6 cups water to a boil. Cover the pan, reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes. You can add this liquid to a cold compress and apply to the skin irritation or pour it into a bath for soothing relief.
Arterial health:
Studies show that licorice root can improve the bile flow. Bile acids are responsible for the metabolism of cholesterol in the body and in eliminating the excess cholesterol. Licorice root also acts as an anti-oxidant which helps in preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Daily doses of licorice root supplements can help promote good cardiovascular health, help in cholesterol regulation, and prevent heart disease.
Hair health
Licorice root extract can be used as a shampoo as it reduces the oil in hair. Bring 2tbsp. dried licorice root and 6 cups water to a boil and let simmer for 40 minutes. Use this licorice water as a rinse for a cleansing hair treatment.
Herpes and Shingles
The anti-viral properties of the licorice root will help in suppressing the re-occurrence and progression of cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Licorice root extract has been utilized in treating herpes simplex, sores, and shingles. Several studies show that the antiviral action of the herb may suppress the return and progression of cold sores due to the herpes virus. Easy treatment for shingles and herpes would be to ingest a capsule of this root extract 2 times a day, and to use a salve made of the same extract on the affected region between four and five times a day.
So herbalists have use licorice root supplements as remedies for herpes, cold sores, and shingles.
Cough and sore throat :
The saponin glycosides found in licorice root are known to be a good expectorant, and good for breaking up and secreting built up phlegm. This can help people with asthma, bronchitis, and dry cough. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root can also widen the air passages wider, making breathing easier.
Gastric problems and Abdomen Troubles
One benefit of licorice root that is used pretty frequently is that it can be used to deal with digestive abnormalities and many issues with the intestines. The flavonoid and chalcones that is found in the licorice root is used to treat different varieties of gastric and intestinal problems. It’s those flavonoids which help with discomfort and inflammation of the digestive system.
The two chemicals can help in easing the infection and the inflammation of the mucus lining and intestinal tract. Licorice root also soothes the digestive system promoting good digestion and normal bowel movement.
Also, soothing agents in licorice root may quiet and soothe the digestion system, which in turn can help to promote a healthy bowel. Easy treatment would be to have some licorice root tea 2 to 3 times a day.
Salivary Glands
Licorice isn’t a normal or usual herbal treatment for treating problems that include your salivary glands. Even though some treatments use licorice to assist in soothing a sore throat, there currently is no proof that the herb has any impact on saliva production. However, as I said, there have been many herbalists who have recommended the herb be used for this very purpose.
Weight Reduction
Research demonstrates that individuals had a significant reduction in body fat mass after getting three grams of licorice root extract every day for 2 months. Nevertheless, the eating of licorice root isn’t something that anyone should do for long periods of time. Consequently, although most research indicates routine use of licorice root for two month periods of time, it is preferred to quit the use of the herb for 1 week after every two weeks throughout the two month interval. For weight loss, having a well-balanced diet along with regular exercise might lead to a substantial decrease in body fat.
Side effects
High blood pressure:
Large consumption of the active component in licorice, glycyrrhizin, can or will lead to high blood pressure ,when overused, also can reduced potassium levels, edema (swelling) and other issues. Because this would exclude people with blood pressure, liver and kidney issues, as well as pregnant women, licorice supplements can be standardized to remove this compound — known as deglycyrrhized licorice.
When licorice root supplements are taken in combination with other medications, it can lead to a decreased potassium level, which can lead to hypertonia and hypokalemia. Talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions with licorice root.
Allergies:
People who are allergic to licorice root may have trouble breathing; develop rashes, itchy skin, nausea, and vertigo. As licorice is a member of the pea family, persons who are allergic to licorice may also have a reaction to legumes, beans, and peas.
Miscarriage :
Pregnant women should not consume any product made from the licorice root as it can induce labor and miscarriage.
Erectile dysfunction :
Taking high levels of licorice root can diminish a man’s sexual interest and may cause erectile dysfunction. As the active compound in licorice root, glycyrrhizin, affects the adrenal gland, it can lower hormonal levels including testosterone.
Kidney disease:
Overuse of licorice root can worsen existing kidney problems or kidney disease.
Licorice root has been used as a herbal remedy for centuries. It is used to treat a number of health problems such as high cholesterol, hepatitis, sore throat, asthma, constipation, and many other conditions. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it is also great for skin and hair health. If using licorice for its health benefits, it is important to use either the dried root or its extract as a supplement. Many “licorice” products manufactured in the US actually don’t contain any licorice. Instead, they contain anise oil, which has the characteristic smell and taste of “black licorice.”
