What Licorice Root Actually Does
Licorice root contains compounds that reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and may soothe irritated throat tissue. The active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, triggers the body to produce more mucus in the stomach lining, which can buffer acid. It also has antimicrobial properties that may help suppress certain bacteria. These effects are real enough that licorice root appears in traditional medicine systems across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe—but they are modest, and they come with a serious catch.
The catch is that glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and cause the body to retain sodium while losing potassium, especially with regular use. This is not theoretical: people taking licorice root daily for weeks have developed hypertension and electrolyte imbalances. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, or take medications that affect potassium, licorice root is not safe for you without medical supervision. Even for people without those conditions, using it long-term requires caution.
What licorice root does not do: it will not cure ulcers, though it may reduce pain while they heal. It will not treat acid reflux on its own, though it may provide temporary relief. It is not a substitute for antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. Understanding this boundary—between "may help with symptoms" and "treats the condition"—is the difference between using it wisely and wasting money on false hope.
Key Takeaways
- Licorice root reduces inflammation and increases protective mucus in the stomach, making it useful for soothing digestive discomfort and sore throats.
- Regular use can raise blood pressure and cause electrolyte imbalances, so it is unsafe for people with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney problems without a doctor's approval.
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) removes the compound that causes blood pressure problems, making it safer for long-term use but less potent.
- Licorice root works best as a short-term remedy for acute symptoms, not as a daily supplement for chronic conditions.
- Licorice interacts with blood pressure medications, diuretics, and corticosteroids, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.
How to Prepare and Use Licorice Root
The most common forms are dried root pieces for tea, powdered root in capsules, and liquid extracts. For a straightforward tea, steep one teaspoon of dried, chopped licorice root in eight ounces of hot water for five to ten minutes, then strain. Drink this once or twice daily for no more than two weeks at a time. This is the gentlest preparation and lets you control the dose.
Capsules usually contain 300 to 500 mg of powdered root per dose. Follow the label instructions, but do not exceed two capsules daily or use for longer than two weeks without a break. Liquid extracts are more concentrated—a typical dose is one-quarter to one-half teaspoon mixed into water, taken once or twice daily. Because extracts are stronger, they carry higher risk of side effects and should not be used long-term without medical guidance.
If you are using licorice root for a sore throat, gargling with cooled licorice tea is an option: brew the tea as described above, let it cool to room temperature, and gargle for thirty seconds. This keeps the remedy local and avoids swallowing large amounts. For digestive symptoms, drinking the tea slowly before meals may be more effective than taking capsules, because the soothing effect happens as the liquid coats your throat and stomach.
When DGL Is the Safer Choice
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is licorice root with the glycyrrhizin removed. This eliminates the blood pressure and electrolyte risks, making DGL safe for people who cannot use regular licorice root. The trade-off is that DGL is less potent—it still reduces inflammation and increases mucus, but the effect is weaker.
DGL comes as lozenges, tablets, or powder. The typical dose is one or two lozenges dissolved slowly in the mouth three times daily, or one-half teaspoon of powder mixed into water before meals. Because it is gentler, DGL can be used for longer periods—up to eight weeks—without the same monitoring concerns. If you have high blood pressure or take medications that affect your heart or kidneys, DGL is the form to choose.
DGL is also the better option if you plan to use licorice root regularly for chronic digestive issues. Regular licorice root is meant for acute symptoms—a sore throat that lasts a few days, stomach upset after a stressful week. If you need something for ongoing support, DGL with a longer timeline makes more sense than cycling on and off regular licorice root.
Drug Interactions and Who Should Avoid It
Licorice root interacts with several common medications. If you take blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), licorice root can reduce their effectiveness or cause your blood pressure to spike. If you take diuretics (water pills), licorice root increases potassium loss, raising the risk of dangerous electrolyte imbalances. If you take corticosteroids like prednisone, licorice root amplifies the steroid's side effects, including fluid retention and potassium depletion.
You should not use regular licorice root if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or hormonal conditions like PCOS or endometriosis (licorice can affect estrogen levels). Pregnant and nursing people should avoid it entirely—licorice root can affect fetal development and passes into breast milk. If you are unsure whether licorice root is safe for you, ask your pharmacist or doctor before buying it. A two-minute phone call prevents weeks of complications.
Even if you have no medical conditions, using licorice root for more than two weeks without a break is not recommended. Your body can develop tolerance, and the longer you use it, the higher the risk of side effects. If you find yourself reaching for licorice root regularly, that is a sign to talk to a healthcare provider about what is actually causing your symptoms.
Sourcing Quality Licorice Root
Licorice root is widely available at health food stores, online retailers, and some conventional pharmacies. Look for products that list the botanical name Glycyrrhiza glabra on the label—this is the species with the most research behind it. Check the label for the amount of glycyrrhizin per dose if you are using regular licorice root; products vary widely, and knowing the concentration helps you control your intake.
Reputable brands test their products for heavy metals and microbial contamination. If a product does not list testing information or the source of the root, move on. Third-party testing by organizations like USP or NSF is a good sign, though not required. Organic certification is nice but does not may provide quality or potency.
Dried licorice root pieces are usually cheaper than capsules or extracts and let you see what you are buying. If you buy loose root, store it in an airtight container away from heat and light; it keeps for one to two years. Pre-made tea bags are convenient but often contain less root per bag than you would use if brewing yourself, so check the weight on the package.
What to Expect and When to Stop
If licorice root is going to help your symptoms, you will usually notice something within three to five days. For a sore throat, the pain should ease and swallowing should feel less raw. For stomach discomfort, bloating or mild pain should decrease. If you see no change after a week, licorice root is probably not the right tool for your situation, and continuing it just adds risk.
Stop using licorice root when ready if you develop a headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs or face. These are signs of electrolyte imbalance or blood pressure changes. If you notice muscle weakness or unusual fatigue, that also suggests potassium loss. Do not wait to see if it passes—call your doctor or pharmacist and tell them what you took and when.
After two weeks of use, take a break for at least one week before starting again. This prevents your body from building up tolerance and reduces the risk of side effects. If you need licorice root more often than that, the underlying issue needs attention from a healthcare provider, not a longer course of herbal remedy.
Licorice Root Versus Other Soothing Herbs
Slippery elm and marshmallow root also coat and soothe the digestive tract, and both have fewer drug interactions than licorice root. They work more slowly and are gentler, making them better for people who cannot use licorice. Ginger reduces inflammation and nausea but does not coat the stomach the way licorice does. Chamomile calms digestive spasms but is less potent for inflammation. None of these are better or worse—they work differently, and which one helps depends on your specific symptoms.
If you have a sore throat, honey is as effective as licorice root for most people and carries no drug interactions. A spoonful of raw honey or honey in warm water works within minutes and is safe for almost everyone (except infants under one year). If you have stomach upset, ginger tea or peppermint tea may work just as well and are safer if you take blood pressure medications.
The advantage of licorice root is that it does multiple things at once—it reduces inflammation, increases protective mucus, and has antimicrobial activity. This makes it useful when you need broad support for digestive or throat symptoms. But if you have any reason to avoid it, the other options are solid alternatives worth trying first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use licorice root if I take blood pressure medication?
No, not without your doctor's approval. Licorice root can reduce how well blood pressure medications work and may cause your blood pressure to rise. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is safer because it does not contain the compound that affects blood pressure.
How long can I safely use licorice root?
Two weeks at a time is the standard safe limit for regular licorice root. After that, take a break for at least one week. If you need it more often than that, see a healthcare provider. DGL is gentler and can be used for up to eight weeks, but still with breaks in between.
Will licorice root cure my acid reflux?
No. Licorice root may reduce pain and irritation while your stomach heals, but it does not treat the underlying cause of reflux. If you have frequent reflux, you need to identify the trigger—certain foods, stress, eating too fast—or see a doctor. Licorice root is a symptom reliever, not a cure.
Is licorice root safe during pregnancy?
No. Licorice root can affect fetal development and should be avoided entirely during pregnancy and while nursing. If you are pregnant and have a sore throat or digestive upset, ask your doctor about safe alternatives like honey, ginger, or slippery elm.
What is the difference between licorice root tea and DGL capsules?
Tea made from whole licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which is potent but can raise blood pressure with regular use. DGL capsules have the glycyrrhizin removed, making them safer for long-term use but less powerful. Tea works faster for acute symptoms; DGL is better if you need ongoing support or cannot use regular licorice root.