Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

What is licorice root?

Licorice root, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Asia and Europe. It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and its medicinal properties are attributed to various active compounds present in the root, including glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and coumarins.

How does it work?

Licorice root has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The active compounds in licorice root, particularly glycyrrhizin, have been shown to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that promote inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of various diseases.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The active ingredients in licorice root that are important for its medicinal properties include glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and coumarins.

What forms does it come in?

Licorice root is available in various forms, including teas, capsules, tablets, and extracts.

What can happen if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

If you have an imbalance or deficiency in licorice root, it may affect the levels of hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone in your body, which can lead to various health problems.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Licorice root has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, Persia, and China.

What does Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) help with?

Licorice root is the root of a small shrub. Healers in China, India, Persia, Egypt and Greece have used it for thousands of years. Two forms are sold: whole licorice, and DGL, which has most of the glycyrrhizin taken out.

The overall evidence grade on file is B. That means at least one good human trial sits behind some use. But the uses below do not all rest on the same evidence, so each one is graded on its own.

• Stomach ulcers and gastritis
  Good evidence — human studies of DGL used alongside standard ulcer drugs; sizes and doses not recorded in our file. DGL has been studied in people next to standard ulcer care, and those studies found a meaningful benefit. Much of the interest came from people who wanted to lean less on acid-blocking drugs. Lab work links licorice to more protective mucus in the stomach and faster healing of sore tissue.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T3
• Sore throat after an operation
  Good evidence — human trials of a licorice gargle given before medical procedures; sizes and doses not recorded in our file. A licorice gargle has been tested in people before medical procedures. The goal was to head off the sore throat that often follows. Our file notes these were human studies but does not hold their size or dose.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T3
• Mouth ulcers and canker sores
  Early evidence — small human studies of DGL mouthwash and patches; sizes and doses not recorded in our file. DGL mouthwashes and stick-on patches have been studied in people with canker sores. The studies looked at pain and how fast the sores healed. Our file does not record how many people took part.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• H. pylori, the germ behind most stomach ulcers
  Early evidence — human studies of licorice added to standard antibiotics; sizes and doses not recorded in our file. Licorice has been studied as an add-on to the usual antibiotic course. In lab tests, licorice compounds called chalcones and glycyrrhizic acid slowed the growth of this germ. Our file does not hold the size or dose of the human studies.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• Eczema, red and itchy skin
  Early evidence — human studies of creams containing glabridin, a licorice flavonoid; sizes not recorded in our file. Creams with glabridin in them have been studied on eczema, redness and itch, and showed a meaningful benefit. In lab studies, glabridin calmed skin inflammation by a path like the one weak steroid creams use. Our file does not record the trial sizes.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• Heartburn and acid reflux
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — practitioner use and the coating action of DGL; no human trial on file. People chew DGL tablets before meals, hoping to coat the gullet and stomach lining. Our file holds no human trial of this use. DGL is not thought to block acid at all, so the idea rests on the coating alone.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Leaky gut and a damaged gut lining
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab work on licorice flavonoids plus practitioner use; no human trial on file. In lab studies, licorice flavonoids eased inflammation in gut lining tissue and supported the mucus layer. Many practitioners pair DGL with probiotics in gut plans. No human trial of this use is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Low energy and brain fog after long stress ("adrenal fatigue")
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — known drug action of glycyrrhizin; no human trial of this use on file. It is well established that glycyrrhizin slows the enzyme that clears cortisol, your main stress hormone. That is basic drug science, not a trial of licorice for burnout. Our file holds no human study on energy, brain fog or coping with stress.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Chesty cough and blocked airways
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — long tradition plus lab work only; no human trial on file. Licorice has a long history as an expectorant, meant to loosen thick mucus. Lab work points to calming and mild anti-spasm effects in the airways. No human trial of this use is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3

What Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has not been shown to do

• No human trial on file shows licorice restores energy, focus or stress tolerance in so-called adrenal fatigue.
• Nothing on file shows licorice clearing H. pylori on its own, without antibiotics.
• Licorice has not been shown to block stomach acid the way acid-blocking drugs do.
• No human trial on file backs licorice for healing a leaky gut.
• No study on file sets licorice cream against prescription steroid cream head to head.
• Nothing on file shows a benefit for people whose cortisol is already normal or high.

How to read this:

The grades here cover one thing only: how strong the human evidence is for that single use. A means steady results across randomised human trials. B means at least one good human trial. C means small or early human work. D means the human evidence is weak or clashes. Insufficient means no human study on file, just lab work, animal work or tradition. A high grade is not a promise, and a low one is not proof that nothing happens. This page is not medical advice, and it is not the safety page. For who should avoid it, and for drug interactions, read the safety page before you try anything.

What can it help prevent?

Licorice root has been shown to help prevent the following conditions and symptoms:

1. Gastric and duodenal ulcers
2. Oral infections
3. Hepatitis C
4. Cardiovascular disease
5. Cancer
6. Neurodegenerative disorders
7. Diabetes
8. Osteoporosis
9. Allergies
10. Tooth decay

Which foods are rich in it?

Licorice root is not typically consumed as a food, but licorice-flavored candy and other sweets are made from licorice extract.

What are possible side effects?

Possible side effects of licorice root include:

1. Hypertension
2. Hypokalemia
3. Edema
4. Headache
5. Dizziness
6. Nausea
7. Muscle weakness
8. Decreased libido
9. Menstrual irregularities
10. Elevated liver enzymes

What's the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of licorice root varies depending on the form and concentration of the product. Generally, a dose of 1-5 grams of dried licorice root or 200-600 mg of standardized licorice extract per day is considered safe.

How many days does it take to work?

The time it takes for licorice root to work varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual's response to the treatment. In general, it may take several weeks of consistent use to see the full benefits of licorice root.

What time of day is best to take it?

Some experts recommend taking licorice root in the morning or early afternoon, as it may have a stimulating effect on the body and could potentially interfere with sleep if taken in the evening or at night. However, this recommendation may vary depending on the individual and their specific needs.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

It is generally recommended to take it with food to help improve absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. However, this too may vary depending on the individual and their digestive system. If you are unsure about when or how to take licorice root, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.