Most herbal remedies fall into one of two categories: gentle enough to be boring, or potent enough to deserve your full attention. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is firmly in the second camp.

This is a plant that can heal stomach ulcers, soothe inflamed intestinal lining, and calm a nagging cough -- while simultaneously raising your blood pressure, depleting your potassium, and potentially landing you in the emergency room if you use too much for too long.

Both sides of that coin are well-documented. Understanding them is the difference between using licorice root safely and learning an expensive lesson in pharmacology.

The Sweet Root With Serious Chemistry

Licorice root is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar, which is why it's been used as a flavoring agent for thousands of years. But the sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid), and glycyrrhizin is far more than a sweetener. It's a potent bioactive compound with effects on the adrenal system, digestive tract, and immune function.

Demulcent properties: Licorice root stimulates mucus production in the stomach and intestines, coating irritated tissue with a protective layer. This is the foundation of its digestive benefits -- it physically shields damaged tissue while it heals.

Anti-inflammatory action: Glycyrrhizin inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), an enzyme that deactivates cortisol in certain tissues. By blocking this enzyme, licorice effectively increases local cortisol activity -- which is anti-inflammatory but also explains the blood pressure side effects (more on this shortly).

Antiviral and antimicrobial effects: Glycyrrhizin has demonstrated activity against several viruses in laboratory studies, including herpes simplex, hepatitis C, and influenza. It also has antimicrobial properties against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for most stomach ulcers.

Antispasmodic effects: Licorice root relaxes smooth muscle in the GI tract, reducing cramping and spasmodic pain.

Digestive Benefits: Where Licorice Shines

Stomach Ulcers and Gastritis

Licorice root's combination of mucus-promoting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-H. pylori effects makes it a logical choice for peptic ulcer support. A 2016 review in the Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy summarized extensive evidence for licorice's gastroprotective effects, including protection against NSAID-induced gastric damage and acceleration of ulcer healing (Pastorino et al., 2018).

Functional Dyspepsia

A 2012 randomized trial in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that GutGard (a standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract) at 75 mg twice daily significantly improved functional dyspepsia symptoms compared to placebo after 30 days (Raveendra et al., 2012). Symptoms improved included stomach fullness, bloating, nausea, and epigastric pain.

GERD Support

While it might seem counterintuitive (since licorice can relax the lower esophageal sphincter), DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) preparations support the esophageal lining's ability to withstand acid exposure, potentially reducing the damage caused by reflux even if it doesn't prevent the reflux itself.

Intestinal Inflammation

Licorice's mucosal-protective and anti-inflammatory effects extend throughout the GI tract. Some integrative practitioners use it as part of gut repair protocols for conditions like leaky gut, though the clinical evidence for this specific application is still developing.

The Blood Pressure Problem: Glycyrrhizin's Dark Side

Now for the part that separates licorice from most herbal remedies.

Glycyrrhizin blocks the enzyme 11-beta-HSD2. This enzyme normally converts active cortisol to inactive cortisone in the kidneys. When it's blocked, cortisol accumulates in the kidneys and binds to mineralocorticoid receptors -- the same receptors targeted by aldosterone. The result:

  • Sodium retention (your kidneys hold onto sodium)
  • Potassium excretion (your kidneys dump potassium)
  • Water retention (following sodium)
  • Blood pressure elevation (from increased blood volume)

This condition is called pseudohyperaldosteronism, and it can be clinically significant. Case reports of licorice-induced hypertensive emergencies are well-documented in medical literature. The FDA has issued warnings about excessive licorice consumption.

How much is too much? Regular consumption of more than 50 mg of glycyrrhizin per day can produce measurable effects in susceptible individuals. That's equivalent to roughly 2-4 grams of whole licorice root per day -- well within supplemental dosing ranges. Some people are more sensitive than others, and those with pre-existing hypertension are at greatest risk.

DGL: The Compromise Solution

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is licorice root with 97%+ of the glycyrrhizin removed. This preserves the digestive benefits (mucus production, anti-inflammatory flavonoids, antispasmodic effects) while eliminating the blood pressure risk.

DGL is the form most integrative practitioners recommend for:

  • Chronic digestive support
  • Long-term use (more than 2-4 weeks)
  • Anyone with hypertension risk factors
  • Anyone on blood pressure medication

DGL Dosage

  • Chewable tablets: 380-760 mg, taken 20 minutes before meals
  • Powder: Mixed into warm water and consumed before meals
  • Chewing is important: DGL works partly through contact with the oral and esophageal mucosa. Chewable forms allow the extract to coat the upper GI tract during transit.

Whole Licorice Root Dosage (Short-Term Only)

  • Tea: 1-2 grams of dried root per cup, steeped 10-15 minutes
  • Extract: 250-500 mg of standardized extract per day
  • Duration limit: 4-6 weeks maximum without medical supervision
  • Blood pressure monitoring: Check your blood pressure weekly if using whole licorice root

Who Must Avoid Glycyrrhizin-Containing Licorice

This is not optional caution. These are hard contraindications:

  • People with hypertension: Glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure significantly
  • People with heart failure or heart disease: Fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance are dangerous
  • People taking diuretics: Additive potassium depletion can cause dangerous hypokalemia
  • People taking digoxin: Hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity risk
  • People on corticosteroids: Additive mineralocorticoid effects
  • Pregnant individuals: Glycyrrhizin crosses the placenta and has been associated with preterm birth at high doses
  • People with kidney disease: Impaired potassium excretion amplifies the risk

DGL forms are safe for all of the above groups because the glycyrrhizin has been removed.

When to Talk to a Pro

See a healthcare provider if:

  • You have any form of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or kidney disease
  • You take blood pressure medication, diuretics, corticosteroids, or heart medications
  • You want to use licorice root (not DGL) for more than 4 weeks
  • You experience swelling in your ankles, unusual headaches, or heart palpitations while using licorice
  • You have an active stomach ulcer or H. pylori infection (these need medical diagnosis and may require antibiotics)

Licorice root is a powerfully effective digestive herb, but the glycyrrhizin content demands respect. DGL is the smart choice for most people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is candy licorice the same as medicinal licorice? Most "licorice" candy sold in the US contains anise flavoring, not actual licorice. However, imported European licorice candy (particularly from the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and Germany) often contains real licorice extract with glycyrrhizin. The FDA has warned that consuming 2+ ounces of real licorice candy daily for two weeks can cause heart rhythm irregularities in adults over 40.

Can DGL help with acid reflux? Yes. DGL supports the mucosal lining of the esophagus and stomach, helping to protect against acid damage. It's frequently used alongside conventional GERD treatment as a complementary approach. Chewable DGL tablets taken before meals are the most common protocol.

How quickly does licorice root work for digestion? For acute stomach discomfort, licorice tea or DGL can provide relief within 30-60 minutes. For chronic conditions like gastritis or dyspepsia, 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use is typical before significant improvement.

Can I take licorice root with other digestive herbs? Yes. Licorice is often combined with chamomile, ginger, and peppermint in digestive formulations. It blends particularly well with slippery elm and marshmallow root in gut-healing protocols.

Does licorice root help with coughs? Yes. Licorice is a traditional expectorant and demulcent for coughs and sore throats. It soothes irritated respiratory tissue and helps thin mucus. Many traditional cough syrups contain licorice extract. For short-term cough use, the glycyrrhizin content is generally not a concern.

A note from Living & Health: We're a lifestyle and wellness magazine, not a doctor's office. The information here is for general education and entertainment — not medical advice. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine, especially if you have existing conditions or take medications.