Can You Eat a Licorice Stick? The Safe Way to Consume Licorice Root

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, licorice root ($Glycyrrhiza glabra$) has been used in traditional medicine across different cultures for its medicinal properties and its distinct sweet flavor. While the taste is familiar from candy, it is also sold in its raw stick form, and many people wonder: can you eat a licorice stick directly?

Quick Summary

This guide explains the process and safety of chewing or consuming dried licorice root sticks. It details the preparation methods, potential health benefits from compounds like glycyrrhizin, and crucial consumption precautions, including side effects and dietary limitations. Information is also provided on deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) options.

Key Points

Licorice Root vs. Candy: Most American candies are not real licorice; true licorice root (a stick) contains the sweet, medicinal compound glycyrrhizin.
Consumption Methods: Licorice sticks can be chewed, sucked, or boiled to make tea, with the woody fibers typically not meant to be swallowed in large amounts.
Glycyrrhizin Risks: Excessive consumption of licorice root can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and other cardiovascular issues due to glycyrrhizin.
Safe Dosing: Limit intake to moderate, short-term use, typically under 5 grams of root powder per day, to minimize risks.
DGL Alternative: Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) is a safer option for long-term use, especially for digestive issues, as the problematic glycyrrhizin has been removed.
Precautions: Pregnant women, those with high blood pressure, and individuals on certain medications should avoid licorice root and consult a doctor.
Potential Benefits: Used traditionally for digestive and respiratory support, licorice root also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Understanding Licorice Root vs. Candy

Before exploring how to safely consume a licorice stick, it's vital to differentiate between the natural, woody root and the processed candies often found in stores. Many American "licorice" candies do not contain real licorice root at all, instead using anise oil for a similar flavor profile. Genuine licorice root, derived from the $Glycyrrhiza glabra$ plant, is significantly sweeter than sugar due to the compound glycyrrhizin. This powerful component is also responsible for many of its health effects and potential risks.

How to Prepare and Consume a Licorice Stick

Consuming a raw licorice root stick is different from eating candy; it's more of a sucking and chewing experience designed to extract its natural flavor and beneficial compounds. The woody texture is not meant to be fully ingested in large quantities. The following steps outline the most common ways to prepare and enjoy the root:

Chewing and Sucking: The simplest method is to chew on a portion of the stick. This releases the sweet juice and flavor. As you chew, the fibers will soften. Many find this a satisfying, long-lasting alternative to gum.
Making Tea: Infusing the root in hot water is another popular preparation. You can simmer chopped or sliced pieces of licorice root in water for about 10 minutes to create a soothing, naturally sweet tea. This is especially common for addressing respiratory issues or soothing a sore throat.
Infusing Syrups and Culinary Uses: Licorice root can be simmered with water and a sweetener to create a flavored syrup for beverages, desserts, or savory sauces. The flavor pairs well with honey, ginger, and spices, adding depth to various recipes.

Health Benefits of Licorice

For thousands of years, licorice root has been valued for its therapeutic properties. Its potent compounds, particularly glycyrrhizin and various flavonoids, provide several potential health benefits, although more human research is needed to substantiate some claims.

Digestive Aid: It can help soothe an upset stomach, alleviate heartburn, and assist in healing stomach ulcers by increasing mucus production that protects the stomach lining.
Respiratory Support: As an expectorant, licorice helps loosen and expel phlegm, providing relief for coughs and bronchial congestion. It has also shown potential benefits for asthma and COPD, although more research is necessary.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: The compounds in licorice possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help protect cells from damage and manage inflammation.

Potential Health Risks and Contraindications

While beneficial in moderation, licorice root is not without its risks. The primary concern is the glycyrrhizin content, which, in high doses or with prolonged use, can cause serious side effects.

Cardiovascular Issues: Excessive consumption of glycyrrhizin can lead to high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and irregular heart rhythm. Individuals with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure should avoid it.
Hormonal Effects: Licorice may mimic estrogen in the body. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer should exercise caution.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Licorice is considered unsafe for pregnant women as large amounts may increase the risk of preterm delivery. It is best to avoid it during breastfeeding as well.
Drug Interactions: Licorice can interact with certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, and diuretics. It can also interfere with blood pressure during and after surgery, so use should be discontinued at least two weeks prior.

Comparison: Traditional Licorice vs. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)

This table compares the key aspects of consuming traditional licorice root with DGL supplements, a processed form with the glycyrrhizin removed.


Feature	Traditional Licorice Root	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Glycyrrhizin Content	High (naturally present)	Removed (less than 2%)
Best For	Short-term use, flavor, respiratory relief, occasional digestive soothing	Long-term use for digestive health (ulcers, heartburn, gastritis)
Primary Risk	High blood pressure, low potassium, fluid retention with excessive use	Minimal risk; generally considered safer for prolonged periods
Form	Dried woody sticks, powder for tea and cooking	Chewable tablets or powder supplements
Taste Profile	Naturally sweet, earthy, with notes of anise and fennel	Slightly less sweet, with the licorice flavor still present
Use While Pregnant	Unsafe; not recommended	Still recommended to consult a doctor; general caution advised

The Proper Way to Consume a Licorice Stick Safely

To ensure safety, moderate consumption is key. Chewing or sucking on a small piece of licorice stick for a short duration is generally safe for most healthy individuals. However, long-term or high-dose intake should be avoided. Health professionals recommend limiting daily glycyrrhizin to half a gram per day, which equates to roughly 5 grams of licorice root powder. It is always best to listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.

Conclusion: Consume with Care and Knowledge

In conclusion, you can eat a licorice stick, but it is important to do so with caution and moderation. The root offers a unique flavor and several potential health benefits, especially for digestive and respiratory health. However, the powerful compound glycyrrhizin carries significant risks when consumed in excess or over an extended period. For those with certain health concerns or a need for prolonged use, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) presents a safer alternative. By understanding the proper preparation methods, recognizing the contraindications, and respecting recommended dosages, you can safely enjoy the ancient tradition of licorice root.

Learn More About DGL Supplements

For detailed information on the benefits and usage of the deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice, which mitigates many of the cardiovascular risks associated with traditional licorice root, consider consulting reliable herbal medicine guides or health websites. PeaceHealth Medical Topics on Licorice provides a breakdown of different preparations and their uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

A licorice stick is the dried, woody root of the $Glycyrrhiza glabra$ plant, which contains the sweet compound glycyrrhizin. Many modern licorice candies, especially red varieties, do not contain real licorice root but are instead flavored with anise oil or other flavors.

Chewing on a licorice stick is safe for most healthy adults in moderation and for short periods. However, daily, long-term use is not recommended due to the glycyrrhizin content, which can cause high blood pressure and other side effects.

While the licorice stick is safe to chew, it is very fibrous and not meant to be swallowed in large quantities. The primary goal is to extract the sweet juice and flavor. Think of it more like chewing gum than a food.

Chewing a licorice stick can help soothe a sore throat, aid digestion, and act as a natural expectorant for coughs. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also be beneficial, but it's not a substitute for professional medical treatment.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems should avoid consuming licorice root. It's also contraindicated for those taking certain medications, including blood pressure drugs.

DGL stands for Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice. It is a form of licorice where the problematic glycyrrhizin compound has been removed. This makes DGL a safer alternative for long-term use, especially for treating digestive issues like ulcers or heartburn, as it minimizes the risk of side effects.

To prepare a licorice tea, you can add chopped or sliced pieces of the root to boiling water and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This infuses the water with the sweet, soothing flavor of the root, and the resulting tea can be sipped to alleviate respiratory symptoms.